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THE 



FIRST CLASS BOOK 



OF 



HISTOEY 



DESIGNED FOR 



PUPILS COMMENCING THE STUDY OF HISTORY; 

WITH QUESTIONS 

^traptclt to t!)c use of ^caOemies anti Sc1)ooIs. 

BY M. J. KERNEY, 

AUTHOR OF COMPENDIUM OF ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY, COLUMBIAN 
ARITHMETIC, ETC., ETC. 

'' FIRST EDITION. 



BALTIMORE: 
PUBLISHED BY P. J. HEDIAN, 

NO. 2 NORTH GAY STREET. 

NEW YORK : EDWARD DUNIGAN & BROTHER, 

NO. 151 FULTON STREET. 

SOLD BY BOOKSELLERS GENERALLY THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. 

1850. 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1850^ by 

M. J. KERNE Y, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland. 



A 



' ) 



STEREOTYPED AT THE 

BALTIMORE TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY, 

FIELDING LUCAS, JR., PROPRIETOR. 



if^^ 



PREFACE 



Ax the earnest request of many, who have used the author's Com- 
pendium of Ancient and Modern History, he has consented to 
compile the following little volume. It is chiefly designed for 
pupils about to enter upon a course of historical study. It will be 
found to contain an account of the most important events in the 
history of our own country, so arranged that they can be easily 
retained. It also embraces the history of several of the most im- 
portant countries of Europe. 

In the arrangement of the work, and in the general matter of con- 
tents, the Author has pursued that course, which his long experi- 
ence in teaching has pointed out, as the best to facilitate the 
progress of the pupil in acquiring a knowledge of history. The 
history of other nations may prove interesting and instructive, but 
that of our own country possesses peculiar attractions. The 
author, therefore, has placed the history of the United States first 
in the order of arrangement, so that it may first claim the atten- 
tion of the young. 

He has endeavored to adopt his style to the capacity of that class 
of learners, for whom the work is designed; at the same time, he 
has avoided the use of those low expressions and common-place 
words, too frequently met with in works of this kind. 

With the hope, that the First Class Book of History may be found 

useful in that department of literature, for which it is designed, the 

author freely submits it to the examination of the public. 

M. J. K. 
Baltimore, February 11, 1850. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Preface, 3 

Introduction,. 5 

Division of History, 7 

Discovery of America, 8 

Discoveries made by other navigators, 17 

Discovery and Conquest of Mexico, 18 

Discovery and Conquest of Peru,. 26 

Settlement of Virginia, 28 

" New York, 34 

" Massachusetts, 36 

" New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, 39 

*' Maryland, 41 

" Pennsylvania, 43 

" the Carolinas and Georgia, 45 

The Indian war, 46 

The French war, 51 

The United States.— The Revolution, 57 

Declaration of Independence, 68 

Battle of Brandy wine, 70 

Surrender of Burgoyne, 72 

Destruction of Wyoming,. 73 

Gates' Defeat, 74 

The Treachery of Arnold, 77 

The surrender of Lord CornwalJis, 79 

The formation of the Constitution, 80 

War with Great Britain, 83 

Causes of the War, &c. , 84 

Perry's Victory, 86 

Battle of the Thames, &c,, 87 

The war with Mexico, 90 

France, 96 

England, 122 

Ireland, 154 

Italy, 165 

Middle ages, 1 70 

Monastic Institutions, 171 

Crusades, 173 



INTKODUCTION. 



1. My young friends, you are about to enter on the 
study of that branch, called History. You are about to 
enter upon a study, which will unfold to you the secrets 
of the past, and lay open before you, a wide field for the 
cultivation and improvement of your minds. 

2. From the study of history, you will learn to com- 
mune with the ages of the past, and to converse with peo- 
ple, who have long since passed from the theatre of the 
world : you will learn the manners and customs of king- 
doms and nations, which have arisen, flourished, and have 
fallen again to ruin and decay. 

3. From the page of history you will learn the sad 
story of those great cities of the past, whose mouldering 
ruins at the present day, only attest their former grandeur 
and power. 

4. You will find, moreover, the study of history a 
pleasing and delightful task. Every step of your pro- 
gress will open to you something new — something enter- 
taining. You will find your little history an interesting 
companion, with whom you can retire and converse on 
the events of by-gone days. 

5. The advantages to be derived from the study of 
history are numerous, and should always be kept in view. 
In the first place, it will enable you to converse freely 
with persons already acquainted with the events of the 
past, and at the same time, it will render you capable of 
entertaining others, less informed than yourselves. 

Questions. — 1. What are you about to study ? what arc you about 
to enter upon? 2. From the study of history what will you learn? 
3. From the pag-cs of history what will you learn ? 4. What will you 
find ? 5. Wnat is tlic first advantag-e to be derived from history ? 



b INTRODUCTION. 

6. In the second place, from the study of history, you 
will learn experience, without undergoing the sad reality. 
When you read of those who have been wicked, and 
learn the punishment with which they were afflicted for 
their crimes, learn also to avoid their example, lest per- 
haps you may share in their misfortunes. 

7. On the other hand, let the example of the great and 
good of whom you read, influence your actions; let their 
virtues shine before you as a burning light, by which you 
may direct your course in the stormy sea of life, so that 
the evening of your days may be as calm and tranquil, as 
your youth is happy and joyous. 

8. In perusing the page of history your hearts will 
often become sad, and your eyes will grow dim with the 
tear of sorrow, while viewing the misguided zeal of our 
ancestors in matters of religion. But, my young friends, 
when you read of those acts of intolerance, which have 
been exercised by one religious denomination, against the 
professors of another, remember that persecution is not 
the spirit of Christianity. If our ancestors have done 
wrong, it was their misfortune ; therefore, do not attribute 
their misdeeds to their religion, much less to the religion 
of their children. 

9. If then, my young readers, you be of different 
opinions in matters of religion, entertain towards each 
other the kindest feelings ; and never make use of any 
expression, that might, in the slightest degree, wound 
the religious sensibilities of your companions. Remem- 
ber, that we are all journeying forward to another and a 
better world, where we hope to meet and dwell together 
in the bosom of our God. 

Questions. — 6. In the second place, what is said ? when you read of 
those who have been wicked, what should you learn ? 7. On the other 
hand, what is said ? 8. In perusing the page of history, what will your 
hearts become? But when we read, &c., what should we remember? 
9. If then, &c., what should you entertain ? What should we remember ? 



CHAPTER I. 

DIVISION OF HISTORY. 

1. History is a written account of events that have 
taken place in the world. 

It is divided into Ancient and Modern History. 

2. Ancient history gives an account of events, that 
have taken place from the creation of the world to the 
Christian era. 

Modern history commences with the Christian era, and 
extends to the present time. 

3. History is also divided into Sacred and Profane, 
Ecclesiastical and Civil. 

Sacred history is that which is contained in the Scrip- 
tures ; it gives us an account of the creation of the world, 
of our first parents, and of the wars of the Jews, their 
captivity, and the like. 

4. Profane history is the history of the ancient pagan 
nations. 

Ecclesiastical history, is the history of the Christian 
church, from the days of our divine Saviour to the present 
time. 

Civil history is the history of the various nations, states 
and empires of the world; and it exhibits a view of their 
wars, revolutions and changes. 

5. Modern history is chiefly distinguished for the in- 
vention of gunpowder, the art of printing, the discovery 
of America and the reformation. 

A certain period of Modern history is known by the 
name of Middle Ages, of which we will speak under its 
proper head. 

Questions. — l.What is history? How is it divided? 2. What is an- 
cient history? Modern history? 3. How is history also divided? What 
is sacred history ? 4. What is profane history ? Ecclesiastical history ? 
Civil history ? 5. How is modern history distinguished ? By what 
name is a certain period known ? 



8 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 



6. We must now inform our young readers, that the 
present work will only embrace an account of the most 
important events of Modern history. When they have 
carefully studied this little volume, a larger one will be 
placed in their hands. They will learn many other in- 
teresting things, which could not be recorded in this 
introduction. 



CHAPTER II. 

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 




Landing of Columbus. Page 14. 

1. Before studying the history of other countries, 
we should become well acquainted with the history of 
our own. For it would be a great shame for our little 
readers, if they were able to relate all the events, that 
have taken place in Greece and Rome, and at the same 

Questions. — 6. Of what mvist \vc now inform our j^ouno: readers? 
1. Before studying' the history of other countries, what is said ? What 
would be a GTiCat shame? 



DISCOVKRV or AMIMMCA. 9 

time to be ignorant of the history of their own country ; to 
be able to numerate the battles of Alexander, Coesar and 
Pompey, and to be ignorant of those fought in their own 
country, by which our happiness and freedom w^ere 
secured. 

We will therefore, commence our study with the his- 
tory of America. 

2. America, the happy country in which you live, 
was discovered by Christopher Columbus. For many cen- 
turies, this country was unknown to the people of the old 
world. There was another very rich country situated to 
the east of Europe, called the East Indies. The people of 
Europe frequently went to this country, and obtained silk, 
gold and many other valuable articles. But the route, 
by which they used to go to the East Indies, was very 
long, and at the same time, difficult and expensive ; they 
therefore, desired to find one shorter and less dangerous. 

3. At that time they were obliged to go to the Indies, 
by crossing Egypt and passing through the Red Sea, and 
then sailing across the Indian Ocean. 

In order to obtain an easier route, they were endea- 
voring to find a passage by sailing along the western 
coast of Africa, until they reached the southern part, 
and then sailing directly east. 

4. While in pursuit of this object, it entered the mind 
of Columbus, that a more direct passage might be found 
by sailing westwardly across the Atlantic ocean. 

Columbus was a learned man, and well skilled in navi- 
gation, having been engaged in a sea-faring life from 
an early age. 

5. He made several voyages into the Mediterranean 
sea, and sailed to the seas north of Europe. There are 

Questions.— 2. By whom was America discovered? What other 
country was known? What did the people of Europe do ? What, is 
said of the route? 3. At that time how did they g-o to the Indies? 
What were they endeavoring- to do? 4. Wliilc in pursuit of this ob- 
ject, what entered the mind of Columbus? What is said of Colum- 
bus? 5. What did he make? 



10 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 

many striking incidents in his life, from which we select 
the following. 

6. On one occasion, as he was cruising near the coast 
of Portugal, the vessel in which he sailed took fire. The 
blaze spread from sail to sail, and in a few moments the 
whole vessel was enveloped in flames. To save them- 
selves from this devouring element, Columbus and his 
companions were obliged to leap into the sea. They 
were six miles from land, and they all perished except 
Columbus. He was an excellent swimmer, and with the 
assistance of an oar, which he found floating in the wa- 
ter, he reached the land. 

7. After many adventures, he arrived at Lisbon, 
where he married the daughter of an eminent navigator. 
He still followed the sea, and made several voyages to 
the Madeira islands, which were discovered shortly be- 
fore that time. In the meantime, his mind was actively 
bent on finding a passage to the East Indies. 

From the figure of the earth, which was then known 
to be round, he concluded, that he might reach the In- 
dies by sailing westwardly from Europe. 

8. Being convinced of this theory, he was anxious to 
test it by experiment. He therefore applied for assist- 
ance to the senate of Genoa, his native country, but to 
his great mortification, they regarded his theory as fool- 
ish, and refused to assist him. 

9. He next applied to the king of Portugal, who at- 
tentively listened to his theory, and then secretly sent a 
vessel on a voyage of discovery, with the hope of being 
able to accomplish the great object of Columbus. But 
the captain of the vessel, was a man of no experience, 
and soon returned without having made any discovery. 

Questions. — 6. On one occasion what happened to him? To save 
himself what did he do? How did Columbxis reach the land? 7. 
Where did he arrive? What did he follow? In the meantime what 
is said of his mind ? From the fig'ure of the earth what was con- 
cluded ? 8. Where did he apply for assistance ? What was the result? 
9. Where did he next apply ? What did the king- do ? What is said 
of the captain ? 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 11 

10. Columbus, disgusted with this base artifice, seat 
his brother to solicit the aid of the king of England; his 
brother, however, being taken by pirates, did not reach 
England for several years. In the meantime Columbus 
applied to Ferdinand and Isabella, the king and queen 
of Spain. Here he met with a kind reception, and his 
project at first received a favorable hearing. 

11. But the counsellors of the king, were men of no 
experience in naval science, and they could not under- 
stand the theory of Columbus. Some maintained, that 
he could not be wiser than all those, who lived before 
him ; others concluded that, if the world were round, he 
would find a constant and rapid descent on the other 
side, and his vessel would either fall oif, or, at all events, 
it could never return to Europe. 

12. Such were the weak objections to the theory of 
Columbus ; they were however deemed sufiiciently strong 
in the mind of the king, as to induce him to reject the pro- 
posals of Columbus, and to refuse to aid him in his great 
designs. 

13. Columbus remained five years in Spain, during 
which time, he solicited, but solicited in vain, the patron- 
age of Spanish sovereigns. He was about to withdraw in 
despair, when a change took place in his favor. 

Isabella, the consort of Ferdinand, was an amiable and 
virtuous woman: she considered the glory, that would 
arise from the accomplishment of so great an enterprise ; 
she was moreover desirous of spreading the Christian 
religion, by converting to Christianity the inhabitants of 
these distant regions. She, therefore, resolved to assist 
Columbus. 

Questions. — 10. Where did he send his brother ? What happened 
to him? Where did Columbus apply? What did he meet? 11. What 
is said of the counsellors of the king- ? What did some maintain ? 
What did others conclude? 12. What is said of objections to the theo- 
ry of Columbus? 13. How long- did Columbus remain in Spain? 
What is said of Isabella? What was she desirous of spreading-, and 
what did she resolve ? 



13 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 

14. But the long war, which the Spaniards had pre- 
vious to that time, carried on with the Moors, left her 
without the means of accomplishing this noble design. 
Finding this, she resolved to pledge her crown and jew- 
els, in order to raise the amount necessary to defray the 
expenses of the expedition. From this embarrassment, 
however, she w^as happily relieved by two Spanish no- 
blemen, who generously advanced the required sum. 

15. Without delay, a small fleet of three vessels, was 
made ready for sea, and Columbus was created comman- 
der of the expedition. 

On the 3d of August, in the year 1492, Columbus set 
sail for Palos, a port in Spain. 

16. He directed his course to the Canary Islands, 
where he remained a short time repairing his vessels, 
and then, taking a westwardly direction, stretched forth 
upon the bosom of the unknown deep. 

In a short time the Spaniards lost sight of land; they 
could see nothing but water, spread out around them, 
and the blue sky above their heads. They were at length 
seized with fear; they thought they would never again 
see land; and in this state of mind, they entreated Co- 
lumbus to return to Spain. 

17. Columbus at first endeavored to calm their fears 
and silence their murmurs, by gentle words and promises 
of great rewards ; but finding that they only increased in 
their clamors, he assumed a decided step, and told them 
that the expedition had been sent by the sovereigns of 
Spain, to find a passage to the Indies, and, with the bless- 
ing of heaven, he was determined to persevere until he 
should accomplish the enterprise. 

18. In their great anxiety to accomplish the object of 

Questions. — 14. How did the war leave Isabella .'' What did she 
resolve ? How was she relieved.'' 15. What was made ready for sea.-* 
16. Where did he direct his course .'' What is said of the Spaniards .'' 
With what were they seized, and what did they entreat.? 17. What 
did Columbus endeavor .'' Then what did he assume and tell them .' 
18. In their anxiety what did they think .? 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 13 

ihe voyage, the Spanish mariners often thought they be- 
held some distant shore, and the joyful sound of land^ 
land, was frequently heard ; but as they advanced, theii- 
deluded hopes were dispelled, and the fancied land dis- 
appeared from their view. 

19. Our young readers will remember, that Columbus 
and his companions were Catholics ; and now, surrounded 
by a thousand dangers, upon the bosom of the vast At- 
lantic, and far distant from home and kindred, they placed 
themselves under the protection of heaven, and sought 
consolation in the practice of their religion. 

Every evening the crews of the diiferent vessels aa>sem- 
bled upon deck, and as the sun disappeared behind the 
western waters, they chanted forth that beautiful hymn, 
the Salve Regina, in honor of the Blessed Virgin, under 
whose patronage they sailed. 

20. Columbus was almost constantly on deck oversee- 
ing every thing himself. He carefully watched every 
change in the appearance of the sky, and noted every 
difference in the temperature of the weather. For some 
days the weather seemed more mild than usual, and the 
sounding line had touched the bottom. Birds of various 
plumage were seen flying about the ships, and often rest- 
ing upon them. Reeds, and different kinds of weeds^ 
were observed floating in the water. From all these 
things, Columbus concluded that land was not far distant. 

21. One night, while standing in the forecastle of his 
vessel, he beheld a light carried about from place to 
place, and shortly after midnight the joyful sound of land 
was heard from the crew of the Pinta. From this mo- 
ment until the return of day, all on board were held in 

Questions. — 18. What sound was often heard ? 19. What must be 
remembered .-* What is said ? Under whom did they place themselves .> 
What did they do every evening .? 20. What is said ot Columbus .'' For 
some days how did the weather seem.-" What is said of birds, reeds, 
&c.? From these, what did Columbus conclude.? 21. One night 
what did he behold ? What was heard ^ From this moment, what in 
said ? 



14 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 

the deepest suspense ; but, as the morning dawned, their 
donbts were removed, a beautiful island presented itself to 
their view. 

22. The crew of the Pinta immediately broke forth 
into hymns of thanksgiving to God, in which they were 
joined by those of the other vessels; and as the notes of 
the anthem were wafted gently upon the morning air, tears 
of joy gushed from their eyes. This office of gratitude 
to heaven, was followed by an act of retribution to their 
commander; they threw themselves at his feet, they 
kissed his hand, and in the humblest manner, asked his 
forgiveness for their rashness and disobedience. 

23. On the 11th of October, in the year 1492, Colum- 
bus in a rich dress, and with a drawn sword in his hand, 
landed upon the shores of the New World. His compan- 
ions immediately followed, and falling upon their knees, 
they kissed the ground with tears of joy and gratitude. 

They next erected a cross, and prostrating themselves 
before it, they returned solemn thanks to God, whose be- 
nign hand had guided them safely through a thousand dan- 
gers, and had conducted their voyage to so happy an issue. 

24. They then took possession of the country, in the 
name of the king and queen of Spain. On the landing 
of the Spaniards they found the country inhabited by a 
race of people, differing from any they had ever before 
seen. They were of a dark copper color, without beards, 
and their hair flowing loosely upon their shoulders. The 
natives were equally surprised at the Spaniards, whom 
they regarded as the children of the sun, their idol; 
they supposed the ships were species of animals, with 
eyes of lightning and voices of thunder. 

25. The first land discovered by Columbus, was one 

Questions.— 22. What did the crew of the Pinta do > By what was 
this othce followed? 23. On the 11th of October what did Columbus 
do,' What did his companions do .? What did they erect .' 24. How 
did they take possession of the country ? On landing- what did thev 
find ? What is said of the natives ? What did they suppose the ships > 
25. What land was first discovered ? 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. '15 

of the Bahama islands, called by him Saint Salvador, 
now called Cat island. He afterwards discovered Cuba 
and Hayti, to which he gave the name of Hispaniola. 
As Columbus had reached these islands by a western 
passage, he believed them not far distant from India; he 
therefore styled them the West Indies, and the inhabi- 
tants were called Indians, a name which they have re- 
tained to the present time. 

26. Columbus, after spending some time in exploring 
the country, and having collected a quantity of gold, pre- 
pared to return to Spain. During the voyage his little 
fleet encountered many dangers; a violent storm raged 
for fifteen days, and every moment threatened instant 
destruction to the vessels. 

27. While the storm lasted, Columbus wrote a short 
account of his voyage and discoveries, and enclosed it in 
a cake of wax; this he placed in a cask, and cast it into 
the sea, with a hope that it might fall into the hands of 
some navigator, and thus preserve to the world the bene- 
fit of his discoveries. The storm however abated, and 
he reached the port of Palos, from which he sailed, on 
the 15th of May, in the year 1493, after an absence of 
about seven months. 

28. He was received with the loudest acclamations by 
the people, who gazed with astonishment on the gold, and 
the many curiosities, which he brought from the New 
World. From Palos he went to Barcelona, where he was 
kindly received by Ferdinand and Isabella. They listened 
to his adventures with the deepest interest. They asked 
many questions concerning the country he had discov- 
ered, and viewed the treasures he had brought, with de- 
light and astonishment. 

Questions. — 25. What did he afterwards discover.'' What did he 
call it .^ The inhabitants? 26. What did Columbus do? During- the 
voyao-e what happened ? How Ion"- did it last? 27. While the storm 
lasted what did Columbus do? What port did he reach? 28. How 
was he received ? From Palos where did he go ? How did they listen 
to him, &c.? 



16 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 

29. Columbus made three other voyages to the New 
Worldj during which he visited many of the West India 
islands, and in his third vogage, he discovered the conti- 
nent, and touched at several places in the northern part 
of South America. 

But his success and the many marks of respect shown 
him by the king, excited against him the jealousy of the 
court of Spain. 

30. They circulated against him many false and ground- 
less charges, in consequence of which, he was deprived 
of the government of Hispaniola, and sent home in chains. 
The captain of the vessel in which he returned, through 
respect to his illustrious captive, offered to release him 
from his confinement. But the venerable Columbus re- 
plied: "No, I wear these chains in consequence of an 
order from their majesties, the rulers of Spain. They will 
find me as obedient in this as in every other injunction. 
By their command I have been confined, and their com- 
mand alone shall set me at liberty." 

31. On his return to Spain, a prisoner and i-n chains, 
the voice of indignation was heard from every quarter; 
even the king himself seemed to feel a momentary re- 
morse ; he ordered Columbus to be set at liberty, but un- 
gratefully retained him in Spain, until he had appointed 
another person governor of Hispaniola. 

32. Columbus never forgot this unjust treatment; 
during the remainder of his life, he carried about with 
him the chains with which he had been bound, and gave 
orders that they should be buried with him in his grave. 
His spirit of enterprise was not subdued : he undertook 
a fourth voyage to the New World, during which he was 

Questions. — 29. How many voyag-es did Columbus make ? In which 
did he discover the continent ? Wiiat is said of his success, &c..'' 30. 
What did they circulate ? What was the consequence ? What did the 
captain offer? What did Columbus reply? 31. On his return to 
Spain, what is said ? What did the king- order? 32. What is said of 
Columbus ? What did he afterwards undertake ? During- which, what 
happened? 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. l7 

shipwrecked on the isle of Jamaica; and after enduring 
a variety of dangers and sufferings, he returned to Spain. 
31. He died shortly after his return, at Valladolid, in 
the sixty-fifth year of his age. His last moments were 
devoted to prayer, and to the reception of the last rites of 
that religion, which he had cherished and practised 
during his life ; and his last v/ords Vv" ere those of the 
Royal Prophet : Into thy hands, Lord, I commend my 
spirit.' 



CHAPTER III. 

Discoveries made by other JS'avigators. 

1; Although Columbus discovered the New World, 
he has been unjustly deprived of the honor of associating 
his name, with the country he discovered. In the year 
1499, Americus Vespucius, a native of Florence, made 
a voyage to the Western World, and discovered a part of 
South America. On his return to Spain, he published 
an account of his voyage, and claimed the honor of hav- 
ing been the first to discover the main land : and thus 
from Americus, the continent gradually received the 
name of America. 

2. In the year 1519, Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, 
then in the service of Spain, sailed to the New World, 
on a voyage of discovery. He passed around the coast 
of South America, and sailed through the straits, which 
now bear his name, and entered the Pacific ocean. 

Magellan lost his life on one of the Philippine islands, 

Questions. — 31. Where did he die? What is said of liis last mo- 
ments.'' What were his last words .'' 1. Of what was Columbus de- 
prived' In 1499, who made a voyag-e to the western world.' On his 
return, what did he do .^ From whom did the country receive its 
name.' 2. What is said of Mag-cllan .' What did he pass.' Where 
did he lose his life .' 

2 



18 AMERICA. 

yet his men proceeded on their voyage, and sailed around 
the globe. 

3. In the year 1497, John Cabot, under a commission 
from Henry VII. of England, sailed on a voyage of dis- 
covery, and discovered the continent of North America, 
a year before the main land of South America had been 
discovered by Columbus. Cabot sailed southward along 
the coast as far as Florida, erected crosses at various 
points as he passed, and took possession of the country 
in the name of the king of England. 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico by Hernando 

Cortez. 

1. At an early period after the discovery of America, 
the Spaniards were apprised of the existence of the rich 
and powerful empire of Mexico. 

The governor of Cuba, having conceived the design 
of subjugating it to the power of Spain, fitted out a small 
fleet for that purpose, and placed it under the command 
of Hernando Cortez. On the 10th of January, 1519, 
Cortez sailed from Cuba with eleven small vessels, hav- 
ing on board six hundred men, sixteen horses, six pieces 
of artillery and a few muskets. As soon as he reached 
the continent, he caused himself to be proclaimed inde- 
pendent of the governor of Cuba, (who had already re- 
voked the commission entrusted to him,) and accounta- 
ble to none but the monarch of Spain. 

Questions. — 3. In 1497 what did Cabot discover ? What did he 
erect and do? 1. At an early period, of what were the Spaniards ap- 
prised ? What did Uie Governor of Cuba do ? On the 10th of January, 
1519, what did Cortez do ? As soon as he reached the continent, what 
did he do ? 



CO.\QUEST OF MEXICO. 19 

2. Cortez next laid the foundation of the colony of 
Vera Cruz, on the site where the present city of that 
name stands ; and the better to inspire his men in their 
arduous undertaking, by cutting off all hope of returning, 
he caused all his vessels to be burnt on the coast. 

He then directed his march to the city of Mexico, the 
capita] of the empire, then called TenochtUlan. 

The country was then under the dominion of Monte- 
zuma, a sovereign, who ruled with despotism. 

Man}^ of his subjects were dissatisfied with his govern- 
ment, and on]y waited for an opportunity to revolt against 
it. They regarded Cortez, as he passed through the 
country, as a deliverer, entered into an alliance with him, 
and supplied him with provisions. 

3. Cortez met with but little opposition, until he ar- 
rived at Tlascala. The inhabitants of this province, who 
were still true to their allegiance to Montezuma, united 
to oppose his progress. Several battles were fought, in 
which many of the Tlascalans were slain ; but at length, 
finding themselves unable to cope with the superior skill 
and valor of the Spaniards, they consented to treat wdth 
them as friends, and from that time they become their 
most faithful allies. 

4. In the meantime, Montezuma was informed that 
strangers had entered the country, and that they w^ere on 
their way to the capital. At first, the emperor sent a 
messenger to Cortez to enquire, why he and his followers 
had entered his dominions. 

Cortez replied, that he could only deliver his answer 
to the monarch himself, and persisted in going to the 
capital. To this INIontezuma would not consent, and 

Questions. — 2. What did he next do ? What did he do with his ves- 
sels ? Wliere did he-, then direct \\\s inarch? Under whose dominion 
was the country ? What is said of his sulijects ? How did they reg-ard 
Cortez ? 3. What is said of Cortez? Of the inhabitiints uf this pro- 
vince? What followed, and what did the Tlascalans do? 4. In the 
meantime, of wliat was Montezuma informed? What did he first do? 
What did Cortez reply? What followed? 



20 AMERICA. 

despatched another messenger to forbid hijn to approach 
any nearer; but at the same time, he sent to Cortez, 
magnificent presents. 

5. After a march of several days, the Spaniards ar- 
rived at the city of Tezcuco, where they were kindly 
received by the inhabitants. Leaving this city, Cortez 
led his little army towards the capital of the Mexican 
empire. Having crossed a mountainous country, he en- 
tered a beautiful valley of great extent. In the middle 
of this valley, stood the vast and populous city of Mexico. 
It contained at that time, according to some historians, 
about sixty thousand houses, with a proportionate number 
of inhabitants. 

6. The city was built in the middle of a lake, but 
connected to the main land by bridges ; it was well forti- 
fied, and adorned with a number of temples, palaces, and 
other public buildings. 

As the Spaniards approached the city, they were met 
at a distance by hundreds of the inhabitants, who gazed 
in astonishment on the strangers. Shortly they beheld a 
company of about two hundred men, richly dressed ; these 
were the emperor's attendants; and, finally, Montezuma 
himself appeared. He was seated upon a chair of gold, 
and carried on the shoulders of four men, while others 
supported over him a canopy made of colored feathers. 
He v/as dressed in a robe of fine cotton, richly orna- 
mented with gold and silver, and wore on his head a 
crown of gold. 

7. Cortez and Montezuma met, and saluted each other 
with the most profound respect, and, after some ceremo- 
nies, entered the city together. A large palace was as- 

QuESTiONs. — 5. Where did the Spaniards arrive ? Having" crossed 
a mountainous country, what did they enter? What was in this val- 
ley ? What did it contain at that time ? 6. Where was the city built ? 
With what was it fortified ? How were the Spaniards met? Shortly 
what did they beliold ? How was he seated and carried ? How was 
he dressed? 7. What is said of Cortez and Montezuma ? What Vv' as 
assif^rned to Cortez ? 



CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 21 

signed to Cortez and his troops, and they were abundantly- 
supplied with provisions. 

8. At the time the Spaniards first visited Mexico, the 
people were entirely ignorant of the true God, and wor- 
shipped a multitude of idols or false gods. To these they 
erected splendid temples, which were attended by a mul- 
titude of priests. They sacrificed thousands of human 
victims to their deities. These victims were generally 
prisoners taken in w^ar; the priests could put them to 
death at any time, in honor of the gods. 

9. The Spaniards had not remained long in the city, 
before an attack was made, by a Mexican general, on 
their colony at Vera Cruz. No sooner was Cortez, in- 
formed of this circumstance, than he took the bold and 
dangerous design of arresting Montezuma himself. Tak- 
ing with him a small band of resolute men, he entered 
the imperial palace, and compelled the monarch to return 
with him to his residence. 

10. While these things were going on in the city of 
Mexico, Cortez was informed that the governor of Cuba 
had despatched a fleet of eighteen ships, and nine hundred 
men to arrest himself and his companions as rebels. 
This intelligence rendered his situation extremely per- 
plexing. He knew that if he withdrew his forces entirely 
from the city, he would lose all the advantages he had 
gained : on the other hand, if he did not oppose the 
Spaniards, who were sent against him, he foresaw that 
his own life, and the lives of his followers, were in the 
most imminent danger. 

11. He, therefore, resolved to adopt a medium course. 
Leaving one hundred and fifty men in the city, under the 
command of Alvarado, he set out with two hundred and 

Questions. — S. At the time the Spaniards visited Mexico, what is 
said of the people? What did they erect? What did they sacrifice? 
What is said of these victims? 9. What is said of the Spaniards? 
What did Cortez do? 10. Wliile these tiling's were g-oinsf on, what 
was Cortez informed ? What did he know ? On the otherliand what 
is said? 11. What did he resolve ? 



22 AMERICA. 

fifty others to meet his new opponents. Never was an 
enterprise more successfully conducted. He surprised 
the nine hundred Spaniards, and took them prisoners, 
with their general, Marvaez, and having taken the van- 
quished into his own service, he returned in triumph to 
Mexico. 

12. On his return, he found that the Mexicans had 
broken out into open insurrection; they surrounded the 
palace in which the Spaniards resided, and threatened 
their destruction. 

On one of these occasions, Montezuma appeared on 
the walls, with a view to check the fury of the populace. 
When the people saw him they were silent, and bowed to 
the earth with the deepest reverence. He told them that 
the Spaniards were his friends, and ordered them to re- 
tire peacefully to their homes. This order was received 
with indignation by the multitude ; at first a low murmur 
was heard ; it grew louder and louder, until at length it 
burst forth into an angry shout; a shower of darts and 
stones were cast upon the walls, and the monarch fell 
wounded to the ground. 

13. Montezuma was carried into the castle; but, find- 
ing himself wounded, refused to take nourishment, and 
died in a few days. 

Immediately after his death, Quetlavaca succeeded to 
the throne. Under this monarch, the attack on the 
Spaniards was renewed with redoubled fury. A large 
body of Mexicans assembled on the top of a high temple, 
which overlooked the Spanish castle, and had collected 
there a large quantity of stones for the purpose of throw- 
ing them upon their enemies. Cortez, with a small band 

Questions. — What did he do with regard to the nine hundred 
Spaniards ? 12. On his return what did he find ? On one of these oc- 
casions what did Montezuma do ? What is said of the people ? What 
did he order them ? How was this order received .'' What followed } 
What was cast upon the walls.'' 13. What is said of Montezuma.'' 
Under his successor what took place .' Where did a body of Mexicans 
assemble .•' Wlmt did Cortez do ? 



CONQUEST OP MEXICO. 23 

of the bravest of his men, went to drive the Mexicans 
from the temple. 

14. Here a fearful contest ensued. The Mexicans 
fought with desperation; and, many of them preferring 
death, rather than submit to the Spaniards, leaped from 
the lofty pinnacle of the temple, and were crushed to 
death in the fall. In this engagement Cortez narrowly 
escaped with his life. Two of the Mexicans singled him 
out for destruction, and resolved to perish with him. With 
this intention, they rushed towards the spot where he 
stood, and seizing him, they dragged him to the edge of 
the pinnacle and leaped over the railing, intending to 
drag him after them. But Cortez, who was a man of 
great strength, held fast to the railing, while his two an- 
tagonists fell, and were dashed to pieces upon the earth 
beneath. 

15. Cortez, however, finding his situation growing 
daily more dangerous, resolved to withdraw for a short 
time from the city. Accordingly, under the cover of a 
dark and rainy night, he set out with his army, hoping 
to escape the vigilance of his enemies. His movements, 
however, were carefully watched by the Mexicans, who 
availed themselves of every opportunity of destroying 
the unwelcome strangers. The Spaniards had crossed 
the lake unperceived, and were about to enter a breach 
in the causeway, when they were assailed by a shower 
of darts, arrows and stones. A dreadful scene of confu- 
sion followed. The darkness of night was so great, that 
they were unable to distinguish their friends or foes. 
Thousands of the Mexicans were slain; while on the 
other hand, Cortez lost several hundred of his Spanish 
troops, and more than one thousand of his Tlascalan al- 
lies, with nearly all his horses, artillery, and baggage. 

Questions. — 14. What ensued? What is said of the Mexicans? 
Of Cortez? How did he save himself ? 15. What did Cortez resolve ? 
What is said of his movements? When the Spaniards had crossed 
the lake, what took place ? What followed ? What did Cortez lose ? 



24 AMERICA* 

16. The Spaniards retreated towards Tlascala, through 
the valley of Olurnba, But, when they came in sight of 
this valley, they were surprised to find it occupied by an 
army of several hundred thousand Mexicans. The gene- 
ral of the empire appeared conspicuous in the midst of 
this vast multitude. He was borne aloft upon a splendid 
litter, and carried in his hand the imperial standard, 
which was never unfurled except on the most important 
occasions. 

17. At the sight of this vast multitude, Cortez was 
perplexed, but not intimidated. He immediately ar- 
ranged his infantry in the form of a column, and placed 
one part of his cavalry in front, to break the ranks of the 
enemy, and the rest in the rear to prevent them from 
uniting. In this order they entered the valley. The 
conflict was long and obstinate, the Mexicans were cut 
down by thousands ; but, when forced to retire by the 
superior skill of the Spaniards, they again fearlessly re- 
turned to the charge. 

18. Cortez, at the head of his cavalry, carried death 
and consternation wherever he directed his course ; at 
length he grew uneasy, lest the countless number of his 
enemies, might finally exhaust the strength of his little 
army. It had been said, that the fate of the battle, was 
considered by the Mexicans, to depend on the loss, or 
preservation of the imperial banner. Cortez, therefore, 
determined to decide the doubtful contest, by seizing or 
destroying the sacred standard. Accompanied by seve- 
ral of his bravest officers, he forced his way through his 
enemies, and in a few moments reached the place where 
the banner was elevated, attacked the Mexican general 
who carried it, and with a single stroke of his mace, he 
brought him to the ground. 

Questions. — 16. Where did the Spaniards return .? How did the 
g-eneral appear? How was he borne.'' 17. At this, what is said of 
Cortez? Describe the conflict .'' 18. What did Cortez do ? What had 
been said ? What did he determine ? What did he do ? 



CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 25 

19. The loss of the imperial standard decided the con- 
flict; the Mexicans immediately threw down their arms, 
and fled precipitately to the woods and mountains. After 
this victory, the vSpaniards pursued their march to the 
city of Tlascaia, without meeting with any resistance. 
Cortez remained at this city for some time, in order that 
his men might recover from the fatigues of the labors, 
which they had undergone. In the meantime, having 
been reinforced by several hundred Spaniards, he marched 
back to Tezcuco, resolved, if possible, to reduce the 
capital. 

20. With immense labor, he had timber brought from 
a distance ; a number of vessels were built, and launched 
on the lake around the city. For several weeks, the 
city was furiously assaulted by the Spaniards; but they 
were vigorously repulsed by the Mexicans. 

At length, the valor of the Spaniards prevailed; the 
city was taken, and the emperor Guatimozen himself, in 
attempting to escape, fell into the hands of the captors. 

21. The Spaniards were greatly disappointed, in the 
amount of gold and silver, which they expected to find 
in the city. In order, therefore, to discover the hidden 
treasures, they put the monarch and his chief ministers 
to the most cruel tortures. They placed them upon an 
instrument, called the rack. The prince endured his 
sufferings without uttering a word of complaint, and 
hearing one of his ministers, giving certain signs of im- 
patience, he turned to him, with a look of compassion, 
and said: ''And, for myself, am I on a bed of roses?" 

22. Cortez, arriving at this moment, was greatly 
moved by the sufferings of Guatimozen, and immediately 
ordered him to be set at liberty ; but the unhappy mon- 

QuESTiONS. — What decided the conflict ? After this victory what 
did the Spaniards do ? In the meantime what did Cortez resolve ? 20. 
AVith immense labor what was done? What is said of the city? At 
leng-th what happened ? 21. What is said of the Spaniards? To dis- 
cover the treasure, what did they do ? What did the prince say ? 22. 
What did Cortez order? ' ' 



26 AMERICA. 

arch was shortly afterwards put to death, on a charge of 
treason and conspiracy. It was in this manner, that the 
great empire of Mexico was overthrown, and reduced to 
a Spanish province, in the year 1523, about four years 
after the first landing of Cortez. 

23. Mexico, at the time of its discovery, was one of 
the most delightful countries of North America. Fruit 
and fragrant flowers spontaneously abounded; groves of 
lemon and orange trees might be seen extending for 
miles ; and the whole face of nature, was covered with 
luxuriant vegetation. The forests were thronged with 
birds of various plumage, and the very air was filled with 
the sweet fragrance, which arose from the groves and 
meadows. The country, moreover, abounded with mines 
of gold and silver. 

24. Mexico remained a Spanish province, until the 
year 1808, when the people rebelled against the power 
of Spain, and after a struggle of twelve years, estab- 
lished their independence, and the country was declared 
a republic. In 1823, a new constitution was formed, 
similar to that of the United States. 



CHAPTER V. 

Discovery and Conquest of Peru, by Francis Pizarro, 

1. Shortly after the conquest of Mexico, we find 
that a similar expedition was undertaken against the em- 
pire of Peru, in South America, by Francis Pizarro. 
Pizarro sailed from Panama in the year 1525, and ex- 
plored the shores of the Pacific ocean; and, in 1531, he 
obtained a commission as governor of the country, and a 

Questions. — 22. When was Mexico overthrown? 23. What is said 
of Mexico ? Fruit, &c. .? The forest ? 24. What took place in 1803 > 
In 1823.? 1. After the conquest of Mexico, what was undertaken.^ 
What did he obtain ? 



DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF PERU. 27 

small force to enable him to subdue it. He continued 
his adventures, and advanced into the very heart of Peru, 
then a rich and powerful empire. 

2. The country at that time was divided into two hos- 
tile parties, by the two sons of the late monarch, who dis- 
puted the succession to the throne. The younger w^as 
finally successful, having defeated his brother, and having 
taken him prisoner, he ordered him to be put to death. 
Both princes had previously endeavored to gain the as- 
sistance of the Spaniards, and Pizarro, now pretending to 
be a friend to the successful competitor, marched to meet 
him, but suddenly attacked his army, and having slain a 
great many of his followers, took the monarch prisoner. 

3. The unfortunate prince made every concession to 
obtain his liberty. He even agreed to fill the room, in 
which he was confined, measuring twenty-two feet in 
length, and seventeen in breadth, with vessels of gold 
and silver. He did not, however, obtain his release, and 
was finally put to death. The Peruvian monarchy being 
thus overthrown, and reduced to a Spanish province, the 
most violent contentions began to prevail among the con- 
querors. Almagro, the rival of Pizarro, was condemned 
and executed, and Pizarro in turn, ended his eventful life 
by assassination. 

QUESTIONS. — 1. Where did he adv^ance? 2. What is said of the 
country? Who was successful? What had both endeavored to g^ain? 
What did Pizarro do ? 3. What did he aarree to do? Did he obtain 
his liberty ? After this what prevailed ? What was the end of Alma- 
gro and Pizarro ? 



AMERICAN COLONIES. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Settlement of Virginia. 

1. About the year 1584, a company was formed in 
England, under the patronage of Sir Walter Raleigh, for 
the purpose of making a settlement in America. Raleigh, 
having obtained a grant of land from Queen Elizabeth, 
arrived in the New World, entered Pamlico Sound, 
and took possession of the country in the name of the 
crown of England. On his return, the account he gave 
of the fertility of the country, so pleased Elizabeth, that 
she bestowed on it the name of Virginia. 

2. Shortly after this. Sir Walter Raleigh, sent over to 
Virginia several small vessels, under the command of 
Richard Granville, carrying one hundred and eighty ad- 
venturers, who landed on the isle of Roanoke. But the 
colonists, deluded with the prospect of finding mines of 
gold and silver, neglected the cultivation of the soil; and, 
in consequence of this, they were reduced to the utmost 
distress by famine ; many of them returned to England, 
while others perished by sickness, or fell by the hands 
of the natives. 

3. The ill success of the first adventurers, naturally 
weakened the spirit of enterprise, and for a season, with- 
drew the attention of others, from attempting settlements 

Questions. — 1. What took place in 1584 ? What is said of Raleisrh ? 
On his return, what did he g-ive? 2. After this what did Raleig-h do? 
What is said of the colonists ? What was the consequence ? What 
did many do ? 3. What is said of the ill sncr-pps ? 



SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 29 

in the New World. In the year 1607, however, another 
body of one hundred and eight adventurers, under the 
patronage of the London Company, sailed for the coast of 
Virginia. After a long and dangerous voyage, they ar- 
rived at the mouth of the Chesapeake bay, and sailed up a 
beautiful stream, to which they gave the name of James 
River. They finally landed on a small island in the 
river, and commenced a settlement, and laid the founda- 
tion of a village, to which, in honor of their king, they 
gave the name of Jamestown. 

4. The ruins of this village are still visible. A few 
traces of decayed houses, the mouldering ruins of a for- 
tification, and an ancient church-yard, mark the spot, 
where the first permanent settlement was made upon the 
shores of North America. 

5. Who can describe the sentiments of the traveller, 
when he visits the site of this ancient town ? This vast 
country, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, 
novv containing a population of twenty millions of inhabi- 
tants, was then an extensive wilderness, the vast hunt- 
ing-grounds of the Indians. They alone dwelt in its 
valleys, and held undisputed sway over its hills and its 
mountains, its lakes and its rivers. Extensive cities, 
towns, and villages are now spread over the plains, where 
once the humble wigw^ams of the Indians stood. 

6. The government of this colony, w^as framed by the 
London Company, and was administered by a council of 
seven persons, with a president chosen from their own 
number. The condition of the colony, at first, w^as far 
from being prosperous. The provisions, which they 
brought with them, were soon exhausted; and as they 
had planted nothing, they were reduced to the utmost 

Questions. — 3. In 1607, what took place? Where did they arrive? 
Where did they land ? What town did they coinnience ? 4. What is 
said of the ruins of this villag-e ? 5. Wliat is said of this vast country? 
What did they liold ? What is said of cities &c. ? 6. Where was the 
g-'n'ernment of the colony framed ? What was the condition of the 
coloiiy ? To what were tticy reduced. 



so AMERICAN COLONIES. 

distress for the want of food ; and to add to the misfor- 
tunes, which surrounded them, sickness broke out among 
them, and in the course of four months, fifty of their 
number died. 

7. The colony, however, was saved from the brink of 
ruin, through the energy of one of their number, named 
Captain John Smith. The life of this extraordinary 
man, is truly wonderful. Being of a romantic turn of 
mind, he left England at the age of fifteen, and travelled 
through Spain, France and Germany. He entered the 
army of the emperor of Austria, and at length obtained 
the command of a body of cavalry. It was not long be- 
fore Smith signalized himself, by deeds of valor. 

8. On one occasion, he challenged a Turk to single 
combat, and the challenge was immediately accepted. 
They mounted their horses, and met in the open plain. 
A fierce contest ensued, in which the Turk was slain. 
He challenged a second ; and the second shared the same 
fate as the first. A third accepted the challenge, and 
he, too, fell beneath the deadly lance of Smith. 

9. He fought many battles against the Turks, but be- 
ing at length wounded, he was taken prisoner, and sent 
as a slave to Constantinople. He finally, obtained his 
liberty through the kindness of a Turkish lady, and re- 
turned to England, and, shortly afterwards, joined an 
expedition, which, at that time, was about to sail to the 
New World. 

10. He often went into the interior, to obtain provi- 
sions and explore the country. In one of these expedi- 
tions, he was attacked by a party of Indians, and all his 
companions killed. Seizing one of the Indians, he held 
him as a shield between himself and the enemy, and in 

Questions. — 6. What broke out? 7. How was the colony saved:" 
"What is said of his life? Where did he travel ? 8. On one occasion, 
what did he do? Wfiat was the result of the first contest? The se- 
cond ? The third ? 9. What did he fig-ht ? How did he obtain his 
liberty? What did he afterwards do? 10. Where did he often go? 
What happened ? How did he retreat? 



SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 31 

this manner he retreated ; but being unacquainted Avith 
the country, he sank in a swamp, and was taken 
prisoner. 

11. Smith now preserved his life, by displaying to the 
savages a pocket compass, and amused and astonished 
them by explaining its powers. They led him in triumph 
to Powhattan, their king. A council was held, and it 
w^as decreed that he should be put to death, as a man, 
whose valor and o-enius were dan2:erous to the Indians. 

12. He was accordingly led forth to execution, and 
Powhattan himself resolved to be his executioner. His 
head was placed upon a stone, but just as the king was 
in the act of raising the fatal club to dispatch his victim, 
Pocahontas, his youthful daughter, rushed forward and 
threw herself at the feet of her father, and by her tears 
and entreaties, besought him to spare the life of Smith. 
Powhattan gazed for a moment with astonishment upon 
his daughter; her prayers touched his heart, his club 
fell harmlessly to the ground ; he gave Smith his liberty, 
and permitted him to return to Jamestown. 

13. On his return, Smith found the colony in the 
greatest distress. Only forty of the emigrants were 
living, and they had become so much disheartened, that 
they were about to return to England. Smith, however, 
being made president of the council, by his energy and 
activity, soon restored order and prosperity to the colony. 
He passed a decree, that those who would not w^ork, 
should have nothing to eat ; and by this means, he soon 
rendered them all industrious. 

14. In 1609, Powhattan had concerted measures for 
the destruction of the colony ; but Pocahontas, who had 
always been friendly to the English, learning the designs 

Questions. — 10. How was he taken.-' 11. How did he preserve his 
life? Where was he led? What was decreed? 12. Where was he 
led -* How was his life saved ? What is said of Powhattan ? 13. On 
his return, how did he find the colony ? Bein^f made orcsidcnt, what 
did he do? 14. In 1609, what took place ? Wliat did Pocahontas do? 



32 AMERICAN COLONIES. 

of her father, hastened to Jamestown, on a dark stormy 
night, and disclosed the plot to Smith. This timely no- 
tice saved the colony from destruction. Pocahontas, 
during- another visit to Jamestov/n, vi^as there detained, 
with a hope that Powhattan, while his daughter was in 
the hands of the English, would abstain from hostilities. 

15. But the noble hearted king, though he loved his 
daughter, hated treachery and deceit. He indignantly 
refused to listen to any terms of peace, until his daughter 
was restored. Pocahontas was deeply interesting in her 
deportment ; simple, innocent and beautiful. During her 
stay at Jamestown, she became attached to a young man 
of respectable parentage, by the name of John liolfe; 
and, with the consent of her father, they were married. 
After the celebration of the nuptials, Eolfe and the prin- 
cess sailed for England, where she was instructed in 
the Christian religion, and publicly baptized. She died 
shortly afterwards at Gravesend, in the twenty-second 
year of her age. 

16. About this time, Captain Smith received a severe 
wound from an explosion of gun-powder, and in conse- 
quence of this accident, he was obliged to return to 
England for medical aid. His absence was a severe loss 
to the colony. They wasted their provisions, and were 
soon reduced to the utmost distress by famine. So 
dreadful were its effects, that, in the course of a few 
months, their number was reduced from five hundred 
to sixty. They were relieved, however, by the timely 
arrival of Lord Delaware with provisions, and one hun- 
dred and fifty emigrants. From this period the colony 
began to prosper. 

Questions. — 14. What happened to Pocahontas, during" another 
visit to Jamestown? 15. What is said of the king-? What did he 
refuse? What is said of Pocaliontas? To whom was .she married? 
Where did she sail? In what was she instructed? Where did she 
die? 16. What happened about this time? What is said of his ab- 
sence? What did they waste? How were they relieved? 



SETTLEMENT OF VIRGmiA. 33 

17. The year 1620, is rendered memorable, for the 
introduction of negro slavery into America. A Dutch 
vessel, from the coast of Guinea, arrived at Jamestown, 
having on board twenty negroes, who were purchased 
by the planters. 

18. The colony had enjoyed for some time a great 
degree of prosperity; it was, however, doomed to expe- 
rience a stroke, that nearly proved fatal to its existence. 
On the twenty-second of March, during the year 1623, 
the Indians fell upon the colonists while engaged at 
work, and in one fatal hour, killed three hundred and 
forty-seven of their number. 

19. We are obliged, in this small work, to omit many 
things in the history of Virginia, that would be interest- 
ing to our young readers. Sometimes we find it pros- 
perous, and at other times, we behold it contending with 
storms of adversity. When Cromwell usurped the gov- 
ernment of England, the colony was forced to submit 
to his authority. At the restoration of Charles XL, it 
again declared its allegiance to the king. Again we find 
it distracted with civil w^ar, by Bacon's rebellion, during 
which Jamestown was burnt to the ground. Bacon was 
finally defeated and slain, and peace and prosperity 
were again restored to the colony. 

Questions. — 17. For what is the year 1620, memorable.'' How 
many were on board ? 18. What is said of the colony ? On the 22d 
of March what took place .'' How many were killed .' 19. What hap- 
pened during- the g-overnment of Cromwell .'' Ag^ain what do we find .'' 
What was the fate of Bacon.'' 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Settlement of JYew York. 

1. The territory now forming the State of New York, 
was first settled by the Dutch. As early as the year 
1609, Henry Hudson, an Englishman, then in the ser- 
vice of the East India Company of Holland, sailed to the 
New World in search of a passage to India. He touched 
at Long Island, and sailed up a beautiful stream, which, 
from his own name, he called the Hudson River. The 
object of his voyage proving unsuccessful, he returned to 
Europe. 

2. Hudson, shortly after his return, sailed on another 
voj-age, with a view to discover a western passage to 
India, in the employment of a company of English mer- 
chants. He sailed north to the Arctic ocean, but in a 
mutiny of his crew, he was seized, with his youthful son, 
and thrown into a small boat, and left to perish. He 
was never heard of afterwards. 

3. About the year 1613, a company of Dutch adven- 
turers began a settlement on the banks of the Hudson 
river. They built a fort near the present site of Albany, 
called Fort Orange, and another with some few trading 
houses, on Manhattan island, where the city of New 
York now stands. They styled the latter settlement. 
New Amsterdam, while the whole territory was called 
New Netherlands. 

4. The State of Delaware was first visited by a colony 
of Danes, who commenced a settlement near the spot 
where Wilmington now stands, and called the country 

Questions. — 1. By whom was New York settled? In 1609, what 
took place? Where did he touch? 2. What did Hudson do, after his 
return ? Where did he sail? What was his fate? 3. About the year 
1613, what was done? What did they build? What did they style 
the latter settlement? 4. What is said of Delaware? 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 3.5 

New Sweden. The Dutch settlers of New Netherlands, 
always regarded their Danish neighbors with an eye of 
jealousy; they claimed the territory of Delaware and 
sought every opportunity of asserting their rights. 

5. At this time the settlement of New Netherlands 
was governed by Peter Stuyvesant, of whom historians 
relate many curious incidents. The Sw^edes, ver}'" im- 
prudently, took possession of a fort built by the Dutch, 
and made prisoners of the garrison. This conduct gave 
Stuyvesant a plausible excuse for invading the territory 
of New Sweden. He immediately collected an army, 
and marched against the Swedes, and having defeated 
them in several battles, subdued the settlement, and 
united it to New Netherlands. 

6. We have seen that the first settlements in New 
York were made by the Dutch ; it remains to be shown 
how it fell into the hands of the English. After the 
restoration of Charles II., of England, to the throne of 
his father, he seemed to be anxious for some pretext on 
which to rest a dispute with Holland. Among other 
things, he claimed the colony, possessed by that country 
in America, and conveyed it to his brother, the Duke of 
York, with power to subdue it. 

7. The Duke immediately sent three ships, under the 
command of Richard Nichols, to reduce the territory. 
Nichols arrived in the harbor of New Amsterdam, and 
demanded a surrender of the place. Stuyvesant, the 
governor, after some opposition, was compelled to yield 
to the English; and the whole territory thus became 
subject to the British crown, and the settlement, in honor 
of the Duke, w^as called JVew York. 

Questions. — 4. How did the Dutch settlers regard them? What 
did they claim ? 5. Who was governor of New Netherlands ? What 
did the Swedes ? What did Stuyvesant do ? 6. What have we seen, 
&c. ? After the restoration of Charles what did he do ? What did he 
claim? To whom did he convey it? 7. What did the Duke do? 
What did Nichols do? What followed? Why was it called New 
York ? 



o6 AMERICAN COLONIES. 

8. About this time, the American seas were greatly 
infested with pirates. These men often attacked ships on 
the ocean, phmdered them, and murdered the crew, and 
frequently burned or sunk the vessels. The governor of 
New York, received orders from England, to expel, if 
possible, these desperate men from the American coast. 
Accordingly, a vessel was fitted out for this purpose, and 
placed under the command of a Robert Kidd. But Kidd, 
when he got upon the high seas, proved unfaithful to his 
trust, and resolved to become a pirate himself. He made 
known his design to his men, who readily consented to it. 

9. For several years, the name of Kidd was a terror 
to all who sailed upon the Atlantic coast, and even in the 
Indian ocean. He plundered many vessels, and obtained 
a great quantity of gold and silver. At length, he landed 
on the American coast, burned his vessel, and proceeded 
to Boston. Being discovered in that city, he was imme- 
diately seized, and sent to England, where he w^as tried, 
condemned, and atoned for his crimes upon the scaffold. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The Settlement of Massachusetts. 

1. We have seen in the history of Virgmia, that 
Captain Smith, so celebrated in that colony, was obliged 
to return to England in consequence of having received 
a severe wound from the explosion of gunpowder. As 
soon as he recovered, he again sailed on an expedition 
to the New World. He touched at the mouth of the 
Kennebec river, and examined the coast as far as Cape 

Questions. — 8. What is said of the American seas ? What did these 
men do ? What orders did the erovernor receive? Under whom was 
the vessel placed ? What did Kidd do ? 9. For several years what fol- 
lowed ? Where did he land ? What was his end ? 1. What have we 
seen ? What did he ae-ain do ? Where did he touch and examine .•' 



SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 37 

Cod; and, on his return to Europe, he prepared a map 
of the country, to Avhich he gave the name of j\''ew 
England. 

2. In the early part of the year, 1620, a patent was 
granted by King James I., of England, to several per- 
sons, called the Council of Plymouth, for the purpose of 
making a settlement in New England. During the same 
year, in which the patent was obtained, the first perma- 
nent settlement was commenced in New England, at 
Plymouth, by a body of persons called Puritans. 

3. The Puritans, who had suffered greatly in England 
on account of their religion, had removed to Holland, 
but not findino; their situation there ao-reeable, thev re- 
solved to seek an asylum from oppression, by removing 
to the wilds of America. On the morning of the 22d of 
July, 1620, Mr. Robison, their minister, kneeling in 
prayer on the sea shore at Delfhaven, consecrated the 
embarcation of the pilgrims. 

4. The vessel in which they sailed, was called the 
Mayflower. They intended to land near the Hudson 
river, but they were carried much farther to the north, 
and the first land they came in sight of, was the bleak 
shores of Cape Cod. After some days spent in search- 
ing for a suitable place to land, the Mayflower was safely 
moored in a beautiful harbor, to which they gave the 
name of Plymouth. 

5. Although the pilgrims had landed, their sufferings 
and distress were only about to commence. If we look 
at their condition, how dreary is the prospect. After a 
long and toilsome voyage, they found themselves cast 
upon an unknown and hostile coast. On the one side, 

QcESTroNS. — 1. What did he call the country? 2. Irv 1620, what 
took place? In the same year, what was couimenced? By whom? 
3. Where had the Puritans removed? What did they n^solvr ? In 
July, 1620, what took place? 4. What was the vessel called ? Where 
did they intend to land ? After some days, where was the Mayflower 
moored? 5. What is said of the pilgrims? What was on the one 
side? 



38 AMERICAN COLONLES. 

lay a vast wilderness covered with ice and snow, and on 
the other, the broad Atlantic separated them from home, 
and kindred, and native clime. They were exposed to 
all the rigors of a New England winter, without a roof 
to shelter them from the storm. Their supply of provi- 
sions was limited, and to fill up the measure of their 
calamities, they were visited by a distressing sickness. 

6. With a desire of conforming to the simplicity of 
the early Christians, the pilgrims at first held all their 
property in common. This was one cause of the scarcity 
of provisions, that for sometime prevailed in the colony. 
But in the spring of the year 1623, each family was 
allowed a piece of ground for its own cultivation, and 
after the harvest of that year, no general want of pro- 
visions was experienced. 

7. In the spring of 1621, they received a visit from 
Massasoit, the most powerful Indian chief of that region, 
and from whom the State of Massachusetts derives its 
name. He gave them a cordial welcome, and entered 
into a league of friendship with them, which was strictly 
observed for more than fifty years. 

8. It might be supposed that men, who had bled un- 
der the lash of persecution for their religious opinions, 
would have learned to respect these opinions in others. 
But this was far from being the case. While we com- 
mend the noble spirit, which enabled them to bid adieu 
to the land of their fathers, to forsake the scenes of early 
childhood, that they might enjoy the free exercise of 
their religion, we cannot but look with feelings of the 
deepest regret, at the spirit of intolerance, which they 
exercised among themselves. 

9. Many of the colonists retained a high veneration 

Questions. — 5. On the other? What is said of their provisions, 
&c.? 6. With a desire to conform, &c. what did they do? What 
is said of this? In 1623, what was allowed? 7. In 1621, what did 
they receive ? What did he g-ive them, &c. ? 8. What might be ex- 
pected ? While we commend, &c., what have we to regret ? 9 What 
18 said of many of the colonists ? 



SETTLEMENT OP NEW HAMPSHIRE, ETC. 39 

for the Church of England, and refused to comply with 
the religious regulations of the Puritans. Endicott, the 
governor, called before him the principal offenders, and 
sentenced them to banishment; they were accordingly 
sent home, by the first vessel returning to England. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Settlement of JWw Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode 

Island. 

1. The colonial history of New Hampshire, is inti- 
mately connected with that of Massachusetts. In the 
spring of 1623, the first settlement in this State, was made 
at Dover and Portsmouth, by a company of persons sent 
out, under the patronage of Ferdinando Gorges and John 
Mason. In the year 1641, this settlement was united to 
Massachusetts, and remained a part of that colony until 
1678, when it again obtained a separate government. 

2. In the year 1635, the settlement of Connecticut 
was commenced, by a few families from Massachusetts, 
under the direction of their favorite minister, the Rev. 
Thomas Hooker. They set out from Cambridge, and 
after a fatiguing march through the wilderness, they ar- 
rived on the west side of the Connecticut river, and laid 
the foundation of Hartford. The colonists were at first 
greatly harrassed, by a tribe of warlike Indians called 
the Pequods. The Pequods were finally defeated with 
immense slaughter, on the banks of the Mystic river, and 
their camp destroyed ; after this, the settlement enjoyed 
peace and prosperity, which continued for many years. 

Questions. — 9. What did Endicott do ? 1. What is said of the his- 
tory of New Hampshire? In 1623, what t<.)ok place? And in 1641? 
2. In 1635, what was commenced ? Where did they set out from ? By 
whom were they liarrasbed ? What is said of the Pequods ? 



40 AMERICAN COLONIES* 

3. The settlement of Rhode Island was commenced 
by Roger Williams. Williams was the pastor of a church 
at Salem, in Massachusetts; from which he was banished 
by the governor, for holding religious opinions, contrary 
to those of the Puritans. He went forth in the middle 
of winter, when the ground was covered with a deep 
snow, and with a few companions, commenced a settle- 
ment on the spot, where the city of Providence now 
stands. 

4. Not long after this, Mr. Coddington, with one hun- 
dred and seventy-six others, having been also banished 
from Massachusetts, for holding religious opinions deemed 
erroneous by the colonial establishment, followed Roger 
Williams, and commenced a settlement on a fertile island 
in Narraganset bay, to which they gave the name of 
Rhode Island. The whole settlement was afterwards 
called by this name. 

5. Roger "Williams was a man of liberal and generous 
principles. By the charter, which he obtained from 
England, for the government of his colony, it was or- 
dered, that none should be molested for any difference 
of opinion in matters of religion. It would have been, 
however, much to the credit of those, who shared with 
him in the administration of the government, if they had 
been more liberal in their views ; for, the very first as- 
sembly convened under the authority of that charter, 
excluded the Roman Catholics from voting at elections, 
and from every office in the government. 

Questions. — 3. By whom was this settlement commenced ? What 
is said of Williams? When did he g-o forth? Where did he com- 
mence a settlement ? 4. After this what took place? Where did he 
commence a settlement ? 5. What is said of Williams ? By the char- 
ter, what was ordered ? At the first assembly who were excluded ? 



CHAPTER X. 

The Settlement of Maryland. 

1. The first settlement in Maryland was commenced, 
under the patronage of Sir George Calvert, whose title 
was that of Lord Baltimore. Calvert was distinguished 
as a statesman, and had held, for sometime, the office of 
secretary of state, in the reign of James I. of England. 
He was a Roman Catholic, hence the intolerance and 
persecution, exercised against the Catholics of England 
at that period, naturally affected his generous and be- 
nevolent heart. 

2. With a view of forming in America an asylum for 
himself and persecuted brethren, he sailed to Virginia; 
but not finding a welcome there, on account of his re- 
ligion, he fixed his attention upon a territory beyond the 
Potomac, and finding it unoccupied, he immediately re- 
turned to England, and obtained of Charles I., a grant of 
the land. From Henrietta Maria, the settlement was 
called Maryland. 

3. Sir George Calvert died, before the grant of the 
territory was made out, but the right was transferred to 
his eldest son, Cecil Calvert, who inherited the titles of 
his father. Preparations were immediately made for the 
settlement of the colony. On the 22d of November, in 
the year 1633, about two hundred emigrants set sail from 
the Isle of Wight, in two small vessels, the Ark and the 
Dove, and after a tedious voyage arrived in the following 
year, on the shores of the Chesapeake. 

Questions. — 1. By whom was this settlement commenced ? What is 
said of Calvert ? What was he, &c.? 2. With a view of forming-, &c., 
what did he do ? Where did he fix his attention ? 3. What happened 
before the patent was made out ? Who inherited his titles? In 1633, 
what took place ? 



43 AMERICAN COLONIES. 

4. As soon as they landed, they erected a cross, and 
returned solemn thanks to God, who had guided their 
vessels safely through the many dangers of the ocean, 
and conducted their voyage to so happy an issue ; they 
then took possession of the country, in the name of their 
sovereign. They treated the Indians v^ith the greatest 
kindness and humanity; they paid them for the land, 
and then commenced a settlement on the Potomac river, 
at an Indian village, which they purchased from the na- 
tives, and to which they gave the name of Saint Mary's. 

5. The most beautiful feature in the history of this 
colony, is that of free toleration, which it granted to the 
professors of every religious denomination. If a stranger 
entered the colony, no questions were asked about his 
religion; if he was a Christian, he was welcomed, and 
permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his 
own conscience. Maryland was, moreover, an asylum 
from oppression, and merited the name of the land of 
the sanctuary. 

6. While a misguided zeal in matters of religion, had 
enkindled the flame of persecution in most of the other 
colonies, the Catholics of Maryland extended their arms, 
and invited among them the victims of intolerance from 
every clime. The silent prayer of the Friend, the chant 
of the Puritan, and the hosannas of the Catholic, were 
v/afted to heaven on the breeze, that arose from the 
peaceful shores of the Chesapeake. 

7. Even religious controversy and sectarian strife, so 
destructive to peace and unity, were banished from the 
colony ; and, whoever called his neighbor, by way of re- 
proach, a heretic, idolater, Brownist, Puritan, Calvinist, 

Questions. — 4. After landing", what did they ? How did they treat 
the Indians? • Where did they commence a settlement? 5. What is 
the most beautiful feature in the history of this colony ? If a strang-er 
entered, whnt is said ? What was Maryland moreover ? 6. While 
misg-uided zeal, &c., had enkindled the flame of persecution, what did 
tlie Catholics of Maryland do ? What is said of the prayer of the 
Friend, &c. ? 7. What is said of relig"ious contention ? 



SETTLEMEi\T OF PEIS-JS'SYLVANIA. 43 

Papist, or the like, was subject to a fine of ten shillings, 
one half to be paid to the party insulted. 

8. The tranquillity of the colony, was, for sometime, 
interrupted by the intrigues of a man by the name of 
Clayborne, who finally compelled Lord Baltimore to re- 
tire from the settlement. One of the first acts of those 
who succeeded, was to abolish religious toleration; and 
thus the Catholics saw themselves deprived of the exer- 
cise of their religion, within the limits of the very colo- 
ny, in which they had labored to establish free toleration, 
and that too, by those to whom their benevolence had 
granted an asylum and a home. After several years of 
disorder, the authority of the proprietor was again re- 
stored, and the province began to assume its usual 
prosperity. 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Settlement of Pennsylvania. 

1. In the year 1681, the settlement of Penns3dvania 
was commenced under the direction of the celebrated 
William Penn, from whom the State takes its name. In 
the early part of his life, Penn embraced the tenets of the 
Quakers, or Friends, and shared largely in the persecu- 
tion, carried on against them in England. Roused, at 
length, by the intolerant spirit of -^ his countrymen at 
home, he resolved to seek an asylum in the New World, 
from the oppression of the old. Accordingly, he applied 
to Charles II., from whom he obtained a grant of a large 
tract of country, including the present State of Pennsyl- 

QuESTioNs. — 8. What is said of the tranquillity of the colony ? 
What was one of the first acts? What is said of the Catholics? 1. 
When and by whom was this settlement commenced ? What is said 
of Penn ? What did he resolve and obtain ? 



44 AMERICAN COLONIES. 

vania, in compensation for a debt due from the crown to 
his father. 

2. The first colony arrived in the country in 1681, and 
commenced a settlement on the banks of the Delaware 
river. In the following year, Penn arrived in company 
with about two thousand associates, chiefly of the de- 
nomination of Friends or Quakers. Soon after his arrival, 
Penn drew out the plan and laid the foundation of the 
present city of Philadelphia, or the city of "Brotherly 
Love." 

3. The first care of Penn was to gain the friendship 
of the Indians. He met a delegation of the various tribes 
under a large elm tree, and addressed them as follows : 
"We meet you on the broad pathway of good faith and 
good will; no advantage shall be taken on either side, 
but all shall be openness and love." The rude children 
of the forest were moved by this friendly address, and 
thus replied: "We will live in love with William Penn, 
and his children, as long as the sun and moon shall en- 
dure." He paid them for their lands, and entered into 
a treaty with them, which was strictly observed for a 
period of seventy years. 

4. The government of this colony was established, on 
the most humane and liberal principles. Following the 
example of Lord Baltimore, he made civil and religious 
liberty the basis of all his institutions, and to these wise 
regulations may be attributed the rapid advancement of 
Pennsylvania in population, enterprise, and importance. 
Penn visited England several times, and at length died 
at London, in 1718, at the advanced age of seventy- 
five years. 

Questions. — 2. When did the first colony arrive ? In the follow- 
ing- year? Soon after his arrival, what did Penn do? 3. What was 
his first care ? How did he a-ddress them ? How did they reply For 
what did he pay them ? 4. What is said of the g-overnment? Whose 
example did he follow ? When and where did Penn die ? 



CHAPTER XII. 

The Settlement of the CaroUnas and Georgia. 

1. The settlement of North and South Carolina, was 
commenced towards the middle of the seventeenth cen- 
tury by a company of persons from Virginia, who were 
suffering in that colony, on account of their religious 
opinions. Leaving their unfriendly neighbors in Vir- 
ginia, they proceeded towards the south, and commenced 
a settlement near Albemarle Sound. 

2. Shortly after this, another company of adventurers 
from Massachusetts, settled near Cape Fear. The pro- 
prietors invited emigration, by establishing a liberal 
government, and by offering a portion of the land for the 
first live 3^ears at a half penny per acre. They after- 
wards extended their settlements to the banks of Atihley 
and Cooper rivers, and laid the foundation of Charleston. 
In 1739, the title of the land was invested in the crown, 
after which the country was divided into North and 
South Carolina, and a royal governor appointed over 
each. During the year 1700, the growth of cotton was 
introduced into the Carolinas, and a few years later, 
that of rice. 

3. The last of the thirteen original States, that revolted 
against Great Britain, was Georsria. It derives its name 
from George the Second, at that time King of England. 
In the year 1732, a company of individuals under 
General Oglethrope, arrived from England, and made 
the first settlement in this colony. They touched at 

Questions. — 1. By whom was this commenced ? Where did they pro- 
ceed? 2. After this what took place? What did tlie proprietors do? 
What di(f they extend? In 1739, what took place? When was cotton 
introduced? 3. Which was the last of the States? From whom does 
it derive its name ? In 1732, who arrived ? What city did they found ? 



46 THE INDIAN WARS. 

Charleston, and after leaving that city, they proceeded to 
their destined territory, and laid the foundation of the 
present city of Savannah. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Indian Wars. 



1. We will now proceed to give our young readers an 
account of the wars, carried on between the colonists 
and their Indian neighbors. The cruelties practised by 
the savages during these wars, almost exceed belief. 
Towns were attacked at midnight, and often in the midst 
of winter; the inhabitants were frequently murdered in 
their beds, or dragged from their homes into a miserable 
captivity. 

2. The Indians in the vicinity of Massachusetts bay 
were few and peaceful, but those in the Connecticut and 
Rhode Island were num.erous and warlike. Among 
these, the Narragansets and Pequods were the most 
formidable. The latter requested their neighbors to 
forget their mutual animosity, and unite against the 
common enemy of their country ; but the Narragansets, 
thinking this a favorable opportunity for destroying a 
powerful rival, made known their hostile intentions to the 
governor of Massachusetts, and formed an alliance with 
the colonists against them. 

3. The Pequods had pitched their camp near the 
head of Mystic river; but the colonists, and their allies, 
under Captain Mason, having reached the place unper- 

QuESTiOTSi^. — 1. To what will we now proceed ? What is said of the 
cruelties? Towns? The inhabitants? 2. What is said of the In- 
dians in &c. ? Which were the most powerful tribes? What did the 
latter request? What did the Na rrag-ansets do ? 3. Where had the 
Pequods pitched their camp ? Wliat did Captain Masoii do ? 



THE INDIAN WARS. 47 

ceived, attacked the camp and set it on fire. A dreadful 
carnage ensued. The Indians were asleep at the time; 
and being roused by the discharge of the muskets, they 
rushed in consternation from their burning tenements. 

4. As they rushed forth, they were met by the swords 
of the enemy, and if they attempted to leep over the 
enclosure of the camp, they were received by a shower 
of balls. Many, who were afraid to venture out perished 
in the flames ; while others, recoiling from the deadly 
weapons of the foe, rushed back into the burning ele- 
ment, and shared the fate of their companions. About 
six hundred of these poor Indians were slain on this 
occasion, and those that were taken prisoners, were sold 
as slaves; so that the whole tribe of the Pequods was 
entirely destroyed. 

5. In the year 1675, the peace, which had existed 
since the time of the Pequod war, was interrupted, and 
the colonists found themselves involved in hostilities, 
with Philip, King of the Wampanoags, whose principal 
residence was at Mount Hope, in Rhode Island. Philip 
was a man of great courage, and warlike abilities. He 
had long viewed the settlements of the English with an 
eye of jealousy; and believed, that unless the progress 
of the colonies w^as checked, the Indians w'ould soon 
disappear from the land ; that their beautiful rivers and 
lakes, their mountains and valleys, w^hich descended 
to them from their fathers, would in a few years, cease 
to be their inheritance; that all would pass into the 
hands of the strano-ers. 

6. Accordingly, he assembled his warriors, and com- 
menced a war of extermination against the colonists. 
Many and painful were the deeds of cruelty perpetrated 
during this w^ar. On one occasion, as a party of eighty 

Questions. — 3. What followed ? 4. How were they met ? "What is 
said of many ? Of others ? How many were slain ? 5. In 1675, what 
took place? What is said of Philip? What did he believe &c. .' 
6. Accordingly what did he do ? 



4§ THE INDIAN WARS. 

persons, were travelling from Deerfield to Hadley, they 
stopped by the way to gather grapes ; while thus en- 
gaged, they were suddenly surrounded and attacked by 
the Indians, and only ten of their number escaped the 
fearful massacre that followed. 

7. At Saco, Dover, and Exeter, in Maine, they com- 
mitted dreadful outrages. Brookfield, in Massachusetts, 
was attacked, and all the houses in it were burnt, except 
one in which many of the inhabitants had taken refuge. 
For two days they assailed this house in vain; and, at 
last, they resolved to set it on fire ; but just as the flames 
began to ascend, the}^ were suddenly extinguished by a 
heavy shower of rain. Shortly after this, assistance ar- 
rived from a neighboring town, and the inmates of the 
house were thus saved. 

8. After this, the war with Philip was carried on with 
various success. In the great battle, known by the name 
of the Swamp fight, two hundred and thirty of the colonists 
were killed, while one thousand Indians are said to have 
perished, and five hundred of their wigwams were re- 
duced to ashes. At length, an end was put to these dis- 
asters by the death of Philip, who was shot by one of his 
own men, who had joined a. party of the English, under 
the famous Captain Benjamin Church. 

9. During the winter of 1690, a party of Indians made 
an attack upon the village of Schenectady, in New York. 
The foe, with noiseless step, approached the town at the 
hour of midnight. The inhabitants were asleep, and the 
stillness of death rested over the place. At a given sig- 
nal the war-whoop was sounded. In an instant the in- 
habitants, aroused from their slumbers, started from their 

Questions. — 6. On one occasion, what happened .' What was their 
fate.'' 7. What happened at Saco, &c. ? What is said of Brookfield ? 
At last what did tney resolve .'' How were the flames exting-uished.'' 
What arrived .-^ 8. After this what is said of the war.-* How many 
were killed in the battle of the Swamp fig-ht.'' How was an end put 
to the war ? 9. In 1690, what happened .-' What is said of the in- 
habitants.? 



THE INDIAN WARS. 49 

beds, but were met at the door, and slaughtered by the 
savages. 

10. The houses were set on fire, and in a few minutes, 
sixty of the inhabitants were killed, and many others 
made prisoners. A few attempted to eseape, but they 
were without clothing, and the weather was extrem.ely 
cold ; they, therefore, endured incredible suffering, before 
they reached a place of security. 

11. A few years after this, a party of Indians made an 
attack upon the town of Haverhill, in Massachusetts. 
Among the inhabitants of the town, there was a Mr. 
Dunstan, who, at the time, was engaged in the field at 
work. When the fierce cry of the savages reached his 
ears, he immediately hastened home to save his family. 

12. When he arrived at his dwelling, he saw the In- 
dians approaching. Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. 
Dunstan was sick, and unable to leave the house. In 
his fright and consternation, Mr. Dunstan knew not what 
to do; he had seven children; he thought he might be 
able, at least, to save them; whereas, if he stopped to 
protect his wife, it would be certain destruction to them 
all. 

13. Therefore, leaving Mrs. Dunstan, with an infant 
of a few weeks old, together with her nurse, he mounted 
his horse, and telling his children to run before him, they 
all hastened off" to a place of safety. Some of the savages 
pursued him for more than a mile, but having a gun he 
defended himself and kept them at a distance. 

14. No one can describe the trials and sufferings 
which Mrs. Dunstan was destined to endure. Although 
very ill, the Indians compelled her, with her nurse and 

Questions. — 9. By whom were they met ? 10. What is said of the 
houses .'' How many were killed .'' What is said of those who attempted 
to escape.'' 11. A few years after this, what took place? Who was 
among- the inhabitants.-' What did he do.' 12. What is said of Mrs, 
Dunstan? How many children had he? W^hat did he think? 13. 
Therefore, what did he do ? What did some of the savages do ? 14. 
What did the Indians do with Mrs. Dunstan ? 

4 



50 THE INDIAN WARS. 

little infant, to go with them to their habitations in the 
gloomy forest, which were more than one hundred miles 
from Haverhill. It was winter, and the journey had to 
be performed on foot through the wilderness. 

15. Finding that the infant occupied much of the 
mother's attention, the savages snatched it from her 
arms, and killed it before her eyes, by striking its head 
against a tree. Mrs. Dunstan and her nurse were now 
almost overcome by fatigue, but the Indians hurried them 
along, without pity or remorse. It happened, on a cer- 
tain occasion, that the two prisoners, were left in charge 
of a few Indians, who, being much fatigued, fell asleep. 
Mrs. Dunstan, and her companion, thought this a favor- 
able opportunity, for gaining their liberty. 

16. Accordingly, seizing a tomahawk, they killed 
these Indians, and thus made their escape. After wan- 
dering for some time through the wilderness, they arrived 
safely at Haverhill, and Mrs. Dunstan was again restored 
to her family. 

Questions. — 14. How did they travel.'* 15. What did they do with 
the infant .'' What is said of Mrs. Dunstan and her nurse ? What 
happened.' 16. According-ly, what did they do.' Where did they 
arrive.' 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The French Wax and Conquest of Canada, 




The Defeat of Braddock. Page 55. 

1 At an early period, after the discovery of America, 
the French had planted colonies in different parts of the 
country. They had made settlements in Canada, ex- 
tending from the river Saint Lawrence to Lake Ontario, 
and had established several forts and trading houses on 
the shores of that lake, to protect and promote their trade 
with the Indians. They had also commenced a settle- 
ment on the Mississippi river, and laid the foundation 
of the present city of New Orleans ; and having ascended 
the river, they laid claim to the beautiful and fertile val- 
ley through which it flows. 

Questions. — 1, What took place at an early period? Where had 
they made settlements? Where had they also commenced a settle- 
ment? 



52 THE FRENCH WAR. 

2. The French had also built several trading houses 
and forts on the Ohio river, and were endeavoring to 
connect their northern and southern possessions, by a 
chain of forts extending from Lake Ontario, to the Mis- 
sissippi river. As the boundary between the French 
and English colonies, had never been settled, it gave rise 
to frequent disputes. It happened at this time, that a 
few individuals from Virginia, established themselves on 
the Ohio river, a short distance from the French settle- 
ments. As the French claimed this country, they im- 
mediately seized the settlers and sent them prisoners to 
Canada. 

3. This conduct on the part of the French, alarmed 
the English, and called forth the most decisive measures. 
Repeated complaints of violence being made to the gov- 
ernor of Virginia, he resolved to send a messenger to the 
commander of the French forces on the Ohio, to de- 
mand the cause of these hostile proceedings, and to 
insist that he should evacuate the country. The choice 
of a person to perform this arduous duty, fell upon 
George Washington, the future deliverer of his country, 
a youth at that time in the twenty-first year of his age. 
Thus early did Washington begin that public career, 
which has endeared his memory to every American, and 
rendered his name illustrious in every land. 

4. Before proceeding further, we must give our young 
readers a short sketch of the early history of this illus- 
trious man. George Washington was born in West- 
moreland county, Virginia, on the 22d of February, in 
the year 1732. His father, whose name was Augustin 
was a native of Virginia ; but his grand-father had emi- 
grated to this country, from England, in 1657. At an 

Questions. — 2. Where had the French built trading- houses &c. ? 
What is said of the boundary ? What happened ? What did the 
Trench do? 3. What is said of this conduct? What is said of the 
g-overnor ? On whom did the choice fall ? What is said of Wash- 
ing-ton? 4. When and where was Washing-ton born? What is said 
of his father &c. ? 



THE FRENCH WAR. 53 

early age he was sent to a school, kept on his father's 
farm, and there finished his education, at the age of 
fifteen, under the direction of a Mr. Williams. He was 
well acquainted with English Grammar, Arithmetic, 
Geography and Surveying; but he was not a Greek, or 
Latin scholar. 

5. He was early distinguished for his great love of 
truth. It is related of him, that on one occasion, his 
father gave him a small hatchet, with which, in his youth- 
ful sport, he destroyed a very valuable young apple tree. 
His father, on seeing the injury done to the tree, with 
much displeasure, enquired of the servants, who among 
them had destroyed the tree, but no one could give him 
any information. Then turning to his son, he said: 
" George, do you know, who destroyed that tree." 
George run to his father, and said: "Father, you know 
that I cannot tell a lie ; I did it with my hatchet." 
From this beautiful example of the youthful Washington, 
let our young readers learn the value of Truth ; let 
them learn to practice that lovely virtue, the brightest 
gem in the character of youth. 

6. Washington having received a letter from the gov- 
ernor of Virginia, departed on his perilous journey to 
the French settlement, a distance of about four hundred 
miles, through a wilderness inhabited by hostile savages. 
On his way his horse failed, but he proceeded on foot 
with a gun in his hand, and a pack on his shoulders. On 
the twelfth of December, he arrived at the French set- 
tlement, delivered the letter to the commander, and by 
the middle of January, returned in safety with an 
answer to the governor of Virginia. 

QuicsTioxs. — 4. When was he sent to school ? With what was he 
acquainted? 5. F(ir what was he early disting-uished? What is re- 
lated of him? Wiiat did his father ask him? What did Gt-orfre 
ri'ply? From this example, what should we learn &c.? 6. What did 
Washing-ton do? What was the distance? On the way what hap. 
p ned ? When did he reach the French settlement ? 



54 k "^^^ FRENCH WAR. 

/ 

7. The reply not proving satisfactory, the governor of 
Virginia resplved to organize a regiment to support the 
claims of Great Britain over the disputed territory. Mr. 
Frey was appointed Colonel of this regiment, and young 
Washington Lieutenant Colored, but on the death of 
Frey, which happened shortly after his appointment, the 
command devolved on Washington. Without delay, 
Washington -marched forward at the head of a small 
force to drive the French from a fort, called Fort Du 
Quesne, which was situated at the junction of the 
Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, where Pittsburg 
now stands. 

8. Before he reached the fort, he was informed that 
the garrison had been reinforced, and that the French 
general at the head of nine hundred men was advancing 
against him. He therefore, thought it prudent to fall 
back to a fort which he had previously thrown up; but 
before he was able to complete his defence, he was 
attacked by the French, and after a brave resistance for 
several hours, he was compelled to yield on honorable 
terms of capitulation. 

9. In the spring of the year 1754, General Braddock 
was sent from Ireland, with a large force to support the 
British claims in America. Shortly after his arrival in 
Virginia, he was joined by the colonial troops under 
Washington, and it was resolved to attack Fort Du 
Quesne. General Braddock was a brave man, but pos- 
sessed no experience in the mode of Indian warfare. 
Washington, who acted as his aid-de-camp, asked per- 
mission to go forward with the provincial troops, and 
scour the woods; but Braddock rejected this prudent 
measure with contempt, saying, "that it was high 

QuESTioSis. — 7. What did the g-overnor resolve? Who was appoin- 
ted colonel? On the death of Frey, what took place? What did 
Washing-ton do ? Where was the fort ? S. Of what was he informed ? 
What did he think prudent? What was he compelled to do? 9. In 
1754, what happened? By what was he joined? What is said of 
Braddock? What did Wasliing-ton ask ? What did Braddock reply ? 



THE FRENCH WAR. 



55 



time indeed, if he had to learn the science of war, from 
a young buckskin." 

10. He marched uncautiously forward, and wlien within 
a few miles of Fort Du Quesne, he fell into an ambus- 
cade of French and Indians. The enemy, concealed 
behind rocks and trees, poured a heavy discharge of 
musketry upon the unprotected troops of Braddock; 
the van was forced back upon the main body, and the 
whole army was throw^n into disorder. A dreadful 
slaughter now ensued. Braddock did ail that a brave 
general could do, but valor Avas unavailing. After an 
action of three hours, seven hundred of the English 
were left dead upon the field; Braddock himself, after 
having three horses shot under him, fell mortally wound- 
ed. Washington had two horses shot under him, and 
four bullets passed through his coat, yet he escaped 
unhurt. 

11. The next j'ear the English were more successful 
*n their operations; they reduced Crown Point, Louis- 
burg, and several other places ; so that the city of 
Quebec was the most important, that remained in the 
hands of the French. Quebec was strongly fortified by 
nature and defended by a garrison of ten thousand men, 
under the command of General Montcalm. The arduous 
dut}^ of reducing this city, was intrusted to the heroic 
General Wolf. 

12. Wolf, having made an unsuccessful assault upon 
tne city from the river, with incredible labor led his 
army to an eminence, on the north bank, called the 
Heights of Abraham. The enterprise was conducted 
with so much secrecy, that Montcalm had no intimation 
of it, until Wolf's army was arrayed on the plains above. 

Questions. — 10. How did he march? What is said of the enemy? 

Of the van ? What ensued ? What is sfiid of Iii-acl<!ork? What was 
his fate? Wliat is said of Washing-ton? 11. The next, what is said 
of the Eng-hsh? Wliat places did thev reduce? What is said of 
Quebec? What duty was given to Wolf? 12. Where did Wulf lead 
his army ? Wluit is said of the enterprise? 



5Q THE FRENCH WAR. 

A sanguinary battle ensued, in which the French were 
defeated with an immense loss, while General Montcalm 
was numbered among the slain. 

13. At the same time, the British had to lament the 
loss of the heroic Wolf, who fell in the moment of vic- 
tory. This courageous man, having received a mortal 
wound, was carried to the rear of the army, where he 
caused himself to be raised, so that he might view the 
engagement. Faint with the loss of blood, he had 
reclined his head upon the arm of an officer, when he 
was aroused by these words: "They fly, they fly!" 
" Who fly ?" exclaimed the dying general. Being told 
that it was the enemy, he replied : "I die contented," and 
immediately expired. 

14. The last maments of Montcalm are equally re- 
markable. Being told that he could only survive a few 
hours, he replied: "It is so much the better, I shall not 
then live to see the surrender of Qubec." This battle 
was followed by the reduction of the city, and subse- 
quently by all Canada; so that of all the territories 
claimed by France in America, New Orleans, and 
a few plantations on the Mississippi, alone remained in 
her possession. A. D. 1763. 

QuBSTiONs.' — 12. What ensued ? What was the fate of Montcalm? 
13. What had the British to lament.'' Where was he carried? Faint 
with the loss of blood, what is related of him ? Being- told &c. what 
did he reply ? 14. What is said of Montcalm? What did he reply ? 
By what was this battle followed ? 



UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XVIL 

The Revolution. 




Washington at Valley Forge. 

1. We have seen in the preceding chapters, that this 
country was settled b y persons from different parts of 

Question.— 1. What have we seen? 



58 UNITED STATES* 

Europe; we read with feelings of emotion, the story of 
their trials, and their sufferings; we saw them leaving 
their kindred, their home, and native clime, to seek an 
asylum from the iron grasp of tyranny, in a land beyond 
the waters of the broad Atlantic. 

2. They landed upon a bleak and hostile shore, and 
upon the bosom of a trackless wilderness, surrounded by 
savage foes, they commenced their settlements. Diffi- 
culty after difficulty yielded to their patience, courage 
and perseverance ; the forest fell before them, and smiling 
fields of plenty sprung up, where for ages before, the 
Indian unmolested, had pursued the buffalo and the deer. 

3. From a handful of adventurers, scattered along 
the sea-coast, they had grown up to a nation, and at the 
period of which we are about to speak, the colonies 
contained three millions of inhabitants. The colonists, 
from their situation, had early learned the principles of 
self government, and studied the maxims of civil and 
political liberty, with more than ordinary care. They 
had learned too, the science of war and of arms. We 
have seen with what manly courage, they defended the 
rights of their parent country ; we are now about to 
behold them in the deadly strife, with the veteran host 
of England, in defence of their own rights, their liberties, 
and their homes. 

4. Up to this period the colonists cherished a warm 
affection for their mother country ; and felt proud of their 
descent and connection, with one of the most powerful 
nations of Europe. The British parliament, however, 
began to make encroachments upon their rights, and 
their liberties. The ministers of the King, seeing the 

Questions. — 1. What have we read? And seen."" 2. Where did 
they land &c. ? What yielded to their patience ? What is said of 
the forest? 3. From a few &c. what did they e-row to ? At that time 
what was the nuinber of inhabitants ? What had they early learned ? 
What have we seen ? 4. What is said of the colonists ? Wliat is said 
of the British parliament? What did the ministers advise ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 50 

country very much in debt, advised him to raise money 
by taxing his subjects in America. The advice pleased 
his majesty, and accordingly, a law was passed imposing 
a duty upon various articles of merchandise, imported 
to America. 

5. The people of America opposed these measures, 
and contended that they had no right to be taxed, with- 
out their consent. They used every means in their 
power, to induce the king to change his conduct towards 
them : but their arguments were only answered, by 
renewed acts of oppression. 

6. In 1765, the famous Stamp Act, was passed by 
the British Parliament, by which all instruments of 
writing in the American colonies, such as deeds, wills, 
&c. were null and void, unless on stamp paper, on which 
a duty was to be paid. The news of this measure, 
created the greatest excitement among the colonists. In 
the Assembly of Virginia, the patriotic Patrick Henry 
brought forward a number of spirited resolutions against 
it; and when the news reached Boston, the bells were 
muffled, and rang a funeral peal. In New York, the act 
was carried through the streets with a death's head affixed 
to it, bearing this inscription: "The folly of England 
and the ruin of America." 

7. So great was the opposition to the Stamp Act, that 
it was repealed during the spring of 1766; but in the 
following year, an act was passed imposing a duty on 
tea, paper, glass, and paint. This act was followed by 
another very unjust and arbitrary declaration, that all 
offenders in the colonies, should be sent to England for 
trial ; and in order to carry these measures into effect. 

Questions. — 4. What law was passed? 5. What did the people do ? 
What did they use ? 6. In 1765, what was passed ? What was the 
effect of this act ? What did the news create r In Vire-inia, what waa 
done? In Boston ? In New York ? 7. What is said of the stamp act? 
What other duty was imposed? By what was this act followed? 
What were sent over ? ■ . 



60 UNlTnD STATfig. 

two British regiments were sent over and quartered In 
Boston. 

8. The feelings of the citizens were highly exasperated, 
to see themselves beset by foreign soldiers, sent over 
with the design of forcing them to yield to the arbitrary 
acts of the British Parliament. Frequent disputes oc- 
curred between the soldiers and the inhabitants of Boston, 
and during one of these, three of the citizens were 
killed, and five more dangerously wounded. Captain 
Preston and the soldiers, who fired on the people, were 
brought to trial and acquitted. The three citizens, who 
were slain were buried with great honors, while the bells 
of the city rang a mournful peal. 

9. During the year of 1771, the English parliament 
repealed the duties upon glass, paint, and paper, but 
retained a tax of three pence per pound on tea. The 
colonists resolved not to pay this very unjust duty. The 
inhabitants of New York and Philadelphia, prevented 
the landing of the tea, but the people of Boston, deter- 
mined to pursue a different course. A party of men 
dressed like Indians, went on board the vessels, and 
threw the tea, consisting of three hundred and forty 
chests, into the harbor. 

10. When the news of this bold action reached 
England, the parliament grew highly indignant, and an 
act was immediately passed, ordering the port of Boston 
to be closed, and transferring the government to Salem. 
Not long after this transaction. General Gage arrived in 
Boston, with two regiments of soldiers, and a great 
supply of military stores. 

11. By these proceedings, the Americans saw very 
plainly, that it was the object of the British Government 

Questions. — 8. What is said of the citizens ? What frequentljr 
occurred ? What is said of Captain Preston, &c. ? Of the three citi- 
zens? 9. In 1771, what took place? What tax was retained ? What 
is said of the inhabitants of New York, &c. ? What did a party of 
men do ? 10. What did the parliament do ? After this, who arrived 
ill Boston ? 11. What is said of the Americans ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 61 

to force them into obedience. They perceived that a 
crisis was approaching; they had done alJ they could do 
to prevent it; they had petitioned, they had entreated, 
they had cast themselves at the foot of the tluone, to 
invoke its interposition to avert the tyranny of the British 
parliament. But their petitions were disregarded, and 
their prayers were treated with contempt. 

12. At length the spirit of the nation was roused, and 
the people resolved to resist the oppression of England; 
they determined to unsheath the sword, and go forth to 
the field of battle, to shed their blood in the defence of 
their rights, and in the support of the sacred cause of 
liberty. 

13. A regular enlistment of soldiers was commenced, 
and officers appointed. Delegates from all the colonies 
met at Philadelphia; this body, generally known, by the 
name of the Continental Congress, agreed to su.s|)encl 
all intercourse with Great Britain, drew up an address to 
the King, another to the people of England, and a third to 
the colonies. When the news of the proceedings of the 
Continental Congress reached England, Mas^achusetts 
was declared in a state of rebellion, and a large body of 
troops was sent over to Boston, to suppress it. 

14. In this state of things, nothing was wanting, but 
some favorable opportunity to manifest the feelings of 
the people ; and as they acted on the defensive, they 
were anxious, that when the contest would commence, 
that the British might be the aggressors. About eighteen 
miles from Boston, there was a small village by the name 
of Concord; at this place, the Americans had some 
military stores. These General Gage resolved to de- 

QuESTioNs. — 11. What had they done? What is said of their pe 
titions? 1-2. At length, what did they resolve? What did they 
determine? 13. What was commenced? What did the Continental 
Congress do? When the news reached Eng-Jand, what was done? 
14. In this state of thing-s, what is said ? For wliat were they anxioas ? 
Where had the Americans some stores? What did General Gag-e 
resolve to do, &c. ? 



63 UNITED STATES. 

stroy, and for this purpose, sent eight hundred soldiers 
to Concord, under the command of Major PitcairUj on 
the evening of the 18th of April, 1775. 

15. As they marched through Lexingtonj they were 
met by a party of American militia, who had assembled 
on an open plain for the purpose of opposing their march. 
Major Pitcairn riding up to them, cried out: "Disperse, 
you rebels!" and then discharging his pistol, ordered his 
men to fire. Four or five of the Americans were killed, 
and several others wounded. Thus was shed the first 
blood in that memorable contest, the war of the Revo- 
lution, which finally resulted in securing the liberty, and 
establishing the Independence of America. 

16. After this, the royal troops proceeded to Concord, 
and destroyed the military stores. The British then 
attempted to cut off the approach of the Americans, by 
destroying the bridges ; but at Concord bridge, they 
were opposed by the Americans, and a slight action took 
place which resulted in the retreat of the English, with 
a loss of several killed and wounded. Major Pitcairn 
alarmed at the courage of the Americans, and deeming 
it unsafe to remain any longer at Concord, immediately 
commenced his march to Boston. 

17. In the meantime, the news of the affair at Con- 
cord, spread with rapidity through the country, and the 
people in a mass, flew to arms. They attacked the 
retreating troops on every side ; a constant fire was kept 
up from behind trees, walls, and rocks, until they reached 
Lexington, when they were joined by a body of troops 
from Boston, which secured their retreat to that city. 
During this transaction, the British lost sixty-five in 
killed, and one hundred and eighty wounded. The 
Americans lost fifty killed, and thirty-four wounded. 

Questions. — 15. At Lexing-ton what took place .'' What did Pitcairn 
do .'' How many Americans were killed .-* 16. What did the royal 
troops do .'' What took place at Concord bridg-e ? What did Major 
Pitcairn do? 17. In the meantime what took place.'' How did they 
attack the troops .•* What was the loss on both sides .'' 



THE REVOLUTION. 63 

18. The affair at Concord, was considered by the 
Americans, as the signal for hostilities. They imme- 
diately secured the forts, magazines, and arsenals, within 
the limits of the colonies, and Congress passed a reso- 
lution for raising thirty thousand men in New England. 
The excitement of the people was intense, and they 
readily responded to the call. 

19. It is related of an aged farmer, near Cambridge, 
who, seeing his son about to start with a company of 
others, said: "Young men, may God be with you all; and 
5^ou, my son John, if jou must fight, fight like a man ; if 
not, never let me see you again." When the news of 
what had taken place at Lexington reached General Put- 
nam, he was ploughing in the field. He immediately 
stopped his team, and leaving his plough in the un- 
finished furrow, mounted his horse and proceeded with 
rapidity to Boston. 

20. Before proceeding further we must inform our 
young readers, that by far the greater part of the Ameri- 
cans, about to engage in the battle for freedom, were far- 
mers and mechanics, men who knew but little about the 
arts of war. But their cause was just, their rights had 
been invaded, their liberties were in danger., and the soil 
of their country had already been watered by the blood 
of their fellow-citizens. 

21. The country at that time, was poor, the cities 
small, and the trade limited; and the population of the 
entire thirteen colonies, was only about three million of 
human beings, exclusive of the Indians. Yet under all 
these disadvantages, our illustrious ancestors resolved to 
engage in a deadly struggle with one of the most power- 
ful nations of the earth. The English had powerful ar- 
mies, a thousand ships, and an abundance of military 

Questions. — 18. What is said of the affair at Concord? What di(J 
they secure ? What did Cong-ress do? 19. What is related? What 
is said of General Putnam ? 20. What were the creater part of tlie 
Americans? What is said of their cause? 21. What is said of tho 
country ? Yet what did our ancestors resolve ? 



64 UNITED STATES. 

stores. Of all these, the Americans were destitute. 
They knew, however, that the race is not always to the 
swift, nor battle was not to the strong; but to the active, 
the courageous, the brave. They knew there was a just 
God, who presides over the destinies of nations, and 
poises in h's hand the fate of empires. In him they put 
their trust, and under the approving smile of his appro- 
bation, they went forth to battle. 

22. Towards the close of May, in 1775, a considerable 
reinforcement of British troops arrived in Boston, under 
the command of Generals Howe, Clinton and Burgoyne. 
The Americans were anxious to get possession of Boston, 
and for that purpose a detachment of one thousand men 
were sent to occupy Bunker Hill; but by some mistake they 
proceeded to Breed's Hill, an eminence much nearer the 
city, and there commenced to throw up an entrenchment. 
At midnight they commenced their operations, and their 
movements were conducted with so much silence, that 
the English had no intimation of their design, until the 
return of morning. 

23. During the morning. Colonel Prescott received 
a reinforcement of five hundred men, and about noon 
General Gage sent two thousand men to drive the Ame- 
ricans from their works. As they were advancing to 
the attack, Charlestown was set on fire. The devouring 
element spread from house to house, and soon the en- 
tire town was enveloped in flames. It was now the 
17th of June, and the day was extremely warm. The 
British advanced towards Breed's Hill, and the Ameri- 
cans remained ready to receive them, behind their en- 
trenchments. 

24. The moment was one of the deepest interest. 

Questions. — 21. What had the Eng-lish .'' What did the Americans 
know .'' 22. In 1775, what arrived .'' For what were the Americans 
anxious .-' What did they do ? When did tliey commence their ope • 
rations.'* 23. What did Prescott receive.'* At noon, wliat was done ? 
What town was set on fire? Wliat day of the month? 24. What is 
said of the moment ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 65 

The steeples and houses of Boston, together with sur- 
rounding hills, were covered with multitudes of persons. 
Some there were, who, with uplifted hands, invoked the 
blessing of heaven upon the cause of the Americans, 
among w^hom, perhaps, they had a husband, a father, a 
brother, or a fond and devoted friend : Others again, per- 
haps, secretly wished success to the British; while all 
gazed with breathless silence upon the scene. 

25. The stillness of death rested on the American 
lines, until the English approached within a few rods of 
their works ; then at a given signal, they poured forth a 
sudden and destructive shower of balls upon the enemy. 
So fatal was the charo-e, that the British instantlv turned 
and retreated hastily to their boats. They were soon 
rallied and again returned to the attack, and the second 
time they were obliged to retreat. A third time they were 
brought to the charge : the contest now raged with intense 
fury on both sides ; the Americans having exhausted all 
their powder, fought for some time with the butt-ends of 
their muskets, and finally yielded their entrenchments. 

26. In this battle the British lost one thousand and 
fifty-four in killed and wounded, Avhile the Americans 
lost four hundred and fifty-three. The British officers 
w^ere astonished at the result; they had formerly de- 
spised the Americans, but now they were taught, at 
least, to respect their heroic valor. On the part of the 
Americans, it inspired them with renewed courage and 
confidence. They were repulsed, it is true, but it was 
only for the want of ammunition. They found that in an 
equal contest, they could beat the English regulars. 

27. Although the Americans were partially successful 
in this memorable battle, yet they had to lament the 
loss of many of their brave associates. Among the slain 

Questions. — 24. What did some do.'' Others ag-ain.-* 25. What is 
said ? What is said of the charg-e ? What did they ag-ain do ? What 
is now said of the contest? Of the Americans.'' 26. What was tho 
loss on each side.'' What is said of British officers? How did it in- 
spire the Americans? 27. Who was anaong- the slain? 

5 



66 UNITED STATES. 

was the patriotic General Warren. This distinguished 
man w^as endeared to his companions in arms, by his 
amiable disposition and heroic courage, and was loved 
and esteemed by all, on account of his true and disin- 
terested patriotism. While the battle raged in its great- 
est fury, Warren was seen in the midst of his country- 
men, animating them by his presence and example. 
While thus engaged, a British officer, who knew him, 
took a gun from the hand of a soldier, and shot him 
through the head. 

28. At this time the Continental Congress was in ses- 
sion in Philadelphia; that body resolved on immediate 
measures of defence. They began to organize an army, 
and unanimously elected George Washington, a member 
of their body from Virginia, as commander-in-chief of 
the American forces. With much diffidence Washing- 
ton received the appointment, and without delay, en- 
tered on the duty of his office, and by the second of July 
joined the army at Cambridge. 

29. With a view of guarding the frontier, a plan was 
devised for the invasion of Canada, and accordingly, a 
body of troops under Generals Schuyler and Mont- 
gomery, was sent into that country. But General 
Schuyler being detained by sickness, the chief com- 
mand devolved on General Montgomery, who pushed 
forward on his expedition, took Fort Chamblee, and the 
city of Montreal, which surrendered without resistance, 
and planted his victorious arms, before the very walls of 
Quebec. 

30. A second division was sent forward under Gene- 
ral Arnold, and the two generals in conjunction, made an 
attack upon the city of Quebec. It was the last day of De- 

QuESTiONS. — 27. What is said of him ? While the battle rag-ed, 
what did he do ? How was he killed ? 28. Where was Congress in 
session ? Who was elected as commander-in-chief ? When and where 
did he join the army? 29. Who were sent into Canada? What is 
paid qf General Schuyler ? What did Montg-omery do ? 30. Under 
whom was a second division sent ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 67 

cember, and the cold was intense. Montgomery advanced 
at the head of his men, animating them by his presence, 
and with his own hand, assisted in cutting a way through 
the ice and snow. At length, waving his sword in the 
air, he rushed forward, followed by his soldiers. A 
single discharge was heard from the battery, the gun- 
ners fled, and in a few moments the walls of Quebec 
were in the possession of the Americans. 

31. But unfortunately, as they entered the city, a ball, 
discharged from a neighboring house, proved fatal to the 
brave Montgomery; he fell cheering his men to the com- 
bat. At the same time, General Arnold, who had made 
an attack upon another part of the city, was wounded by 
a cannon ball. After the fall of Montgomery, the offi- 
cer next in command, ordered his men to retreat. 

32. No man fell, during the revolutionary contest, 
whose death was more lamented, than that of the heroic 
Montgomery. He engaged in the American cause from 
principles of the purest patriotism. He had left the enjoy- 
ment of ease and the highest domestic happiness, in 
Ireland, his native land, to share the toils and dangers of 
a war, undertaken to defend the rights of a country of 
which he was only an adopted citizen. 

33. About this time. General Washington formed the 
design of driving the British from Boston. Accordingly, 
he erected a battery on Dorchester Heights, a situation 
that gave him complete command of the city. General 
HoAve, finding it impossible to remove the Americans 
from their position, evacuated Boston on the 17th of 
JNIarch, and embarked with his troops for Halifax. On 
the same day. General Washington entered the city, 
amidst the joyous acclamations of the inhabitants. 

Questions. — 30. What city did they attack .'' What is said of Mont- 
gromery .'' What did the gunners do, &c.? 31. As they entered the. 
city, what liappened ? What happened to Arnold .'' 32. What is said 
of the fall of Monto-omery .'' Wliat did he leave .•* 33. What is said of 
Washing-ton.? What did he do? When did the British leave Boston? 
On the same day? 



CHAPTER II. 

The Declaration of Independence. 

1. We have seen in the preceding chapter, that the 
patriots of the revolution, at the commencement of the 
contest, only contended for their rights as British sub- 
jects ; but now seeing, that there w^as no choice left them, 
but that of absolute freedom or degrading slavery, they 
began to assume a loftier position. The subject of Inde- 
pendence began to be openly discussed ; and at length they 
resolved to sever entirely that connection, which bound 
them to the mother country. 

2. Accordingly, on the 7th of June, a motion was 
made in Congress, by Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, 
for declaring the colonies free and independent; and at 
the same time, a committee, consisting of Thomas Jeffer- 
son, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman 
and Robert Livingston, was appointed to prepare a decla- 
ration. 

3. On the memorable 4th of July, 1776, the report of 
that committee was adopted by the Continental Con- 
gress, and the thirteen confederate colonies, were de- 
clared to be free and independent States, and at the 
same time, all connection between them and Great 
Britain, was forever dissolved. The first important bat- 
tle, which was fought after the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, was that of Long Island ; in which the Americans 
were repulsed, with a loss of about four hundred men. 

Questions. — 1 . What have we seen ? For what had they contended ? 
What is said of Independence? What did they resolve? 2. On the 
7th of June, what was done? At the same time what was done? 3. 
"What took place on the 4th of July, 1776? Where was the first battle 
after the Declaration of Independence? 



THE REVOLUTION. 69 

4. At this time, an incident occurred, which exhibits 
the spirit of General Washington. Letters were directed 
to hiin, by General Howe, the commander of the British 
forces; but as these letters were directed to George 
Washington, and not to him, in his official capacity, he 
refused to receive them. And when Colonel Patterson, 
the bearer of the letters, said that they were of great 
importance and contained offers of pardon, &c.. Gene- 
ral Washington, very calmly replied, that the Americans 
had committed no wrong, and therefore, wanted no par- 
don ; they were only defending their rights and their 
liberties. 

5. Shortly after the battle of Long Island, General 
Howe entered the city of New York, and the Americans 
retired to White Plains, where a severe action took place 
with considerable loss on both sides. The limits of our 
little history, will not permit us to relate all particulars, 
that happened during this eventful period; we will have 
to confine ourselves to a few of the most important 
events. 

6. During this war, the British hired soldiers to fight 
against the Americans; among these were a great num- 
ber of troops, from Hesse in Germany, who were called 
Hessians. A large detachment of these Hessians, w^ere 
stationed at Trenton ; while the Americans were en- 
camped on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware river. 
On the tvventy-fifth of December, General Washington, 
with a select bod}^ of men, crossed the Delaware, at- 
tacked the Hessians at Trenton, and took nine hundred of 
them prisoners. 

7. He then proceeded to Princeton, and on the third 
of January, 1777, defeated a body of the British, with 

Questions. — 4. What incident occurred? What is said of tlif^se 
letters? What reply did Washington make to Patterson =* 5. What 
is said of General "Howe ? Of th>. Americans ? What took place at 
Wliite Plains? 6. What did the Brilisli do, durinG" tlie war? Where 
was a detachment of tlicse stationed ? On 25th of Deceuiber, wliat did 
Washing-ton do ? 7. Wiiat did ho then do ? 



70 UNITED STATES. 

the loss of one hundred men, and compelled the remain- 
der, about three hundred in number, to surrender them- 
selves as prisoners of war. In this action, General Mer- 
cer, of Virginia, was killed. 



CHAPTER III. 



The Battle of Brandywine — Surrender of Burgoyne — 
The Arrival of Aid from France — The Destruction of 
the Settlement of Wyoming. 

1. It had been for some time the object of General 
Howe, to get possession of Philadelphia. For this pur- 
pose he left New York, with a fleet carrying about six- 
teen thousand men, entered the Chesapeake Bay, and 
having landed his troops near the head of Elk River, 
commenced his march to Philadelphia. 

2. General Washington, who closely watched his 
movements, hastened to oppose his progress, v^^ith a 
much inferior force. On the 11th of September, the 
two armies met on the banks of the river Brandywine ; 
a severe battle followed, in which the Americans were 
repulsed with considerable loss. This battle is rendered 
memorable, for being the first in which the Marquis de 
Lafayette, and Pulaski, v%^ere engaged; the former of 

^whom was wounded. 

3. Lafayette was a young French nobleman; he left 
his country and his home, in order to assist the Ameri- 
cans, engaged in the defence of their rights and their 

Questions. — 7. In this action, who was killed ? 1. What had been 
the object of Howe ? For this purpose, what did he do ? 2. What is 
said of Washing-ton? What took place on the 11th of Septcmbex- ? 
For what is this battle memorable? 3. Who was Lafayette? 



THE REVOLUTIOJV. 71 

liberties. He fought bravely and successfully during the 
war, and returned with honor to his native land. 

4. The brave and jiatriotic Pulaski was a native of 
Poland. Disgusted at the tyrran}^, that weighed upon 
his native countr^^, he resolved to forsake the land of his 
fathers, and to devote his life to the cause of liberty in a 
foreign clime. He accordingly came to America, to as- 
sist the countrymen of Washington in gaining their in- 
dependence ; and after spending about two years in this 
noble cause, he fell a sacrifice to his patriotism at Sa- 
vannah, when that city was attacked b}^ General Lincoln. 

5. After the battle of Brandywine, the British Gene- 
ral directed his march to Philadelphia, and took posses- 
sion of that city. While these operations were going on 
in the middle States, more auspicious events were taking 
place in the north. General Burgoyne, who commanded 
the British in that quarter, crossed the Hudson, and en- 
camped near Saratoga. At this time General Gates, who 
commanded the American army in the north, resolved, 
if possible, to intercept the progress of Burgoyne. On 
the 18th of September, a severe engagement took place 
at Stillwater, near Saratoga. 

6. On the 7th of October, the memorable battle of 
Saratoga took place. While the battle raged in all its 
fury, General Gates, who w^as commander-in-chief, is 
said to have remained quietly in his tent, conversing 
with a British officer. The victory was obtained, by the 
courage and intrepidity of General Arnold. Arnold, 
mounted on a splendid charger, appeared in every part 
of the contest, almost at the same moment, animating 
his men to the charge. At length, the gallant horse, 

Questions. — 3. How did he fig-ht? 4. Who was Pulaski? What is 
said of him ? What was his fate ? 5. What did the British General 
do? What was taking- place in the north? What did General Bur- 
g-oynedo? Who commanded the Americans in the north? On the 
J8th of September what took place? 6. On the 7th of October, what 
took place? While the battle rag-ed, what is said of General Gates? 
I{y whom was the victory g-ained ? What is said of Arnold? 



T'2 UKITEB STATES. 

which had bore him safely through scenes of blood 
and fire, was killed under him, at the same time Arnold 
fell severely wounded, in the moment of victory. As 
he was carried bleeding from the field, he exclaimed : 
" The battle is ours, Saratoga is won." 

7. The situation of Burgoyne was now extremely 
critical. His splendid army of ten thousand men was 
defeated in several engagements, and reduced to nearly 
half its number. But still he was too proud to submit to 
his fate. At length seeing his position growing hourly 
more critical, he called a council of war, and it was 
resolved to surrender by capitulations. 

8. Accordingly on the 17th of October, he surren- 
dered his whole army, amounting to nearly six thousand 
men to General Gates, as prisoners of war. Among the 
many valuable articles, obtained by this surrender, were 
forty-two pieces of cannon, seven thousand muskets, 
a vast supply of shot, shells, tents, and military stores. 

9. This event diffused universal joy among the Ameri- 
cans, and inspired them with renewed ardor in the cause 
of freedom. During the previous year, three commis- 
sioners, were sent to Europe to obtain aid, and alliance 
of foreign powers. At first they were unsuccessful, but 
at last they obtained the promise of assistance from Louis 
XVI. king of France; and in July, 1778, to the great 
joy of the whole American people, a French fleet 
arrived at the mouth of the Delaware. The fleet, how- 
ever, effected nothing of importance at present, and 
towards the close of the season, it sailed to the West 
Indies. 

10. About this time happened an event, which for 

Questions. — 6. At leng-th, what happened ? What did he exclaim ? 
7. What is said of Burgoyne ? Of his army? At leng-th what did he 
do? 8. On the 17th of October what took place? What were some 
of the articles obtained by this surrender ? 9. What is said of this 
event ? During- the previous year, what had been done ? At last what 
did they obtain ? In July what took place ? What is said of the fleet? 
10. What happened about this time ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 73 

cruelty and barbarity, can scarcely find a parallel on the 
page of history. On the banks of the Susquehanna, in 
the present county of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, were situa- 
ted the beautiful settlement and village of Wyoming. 
Here about one thousand families lived joyful and hap- 
py ; while industry and frugality added to their pros- 
perity. 

11. A party of Tories, with a band of about four 
hundred Indians, resolved on the destruction of this 
beautiful vale. The inhabitants were apprised of the 
danger, but too late to make any adequate defence. 
They however threw up a rude fortification with a resolu- 
tion to defend their homes and their families ; and in 
this, they might have been successful had it not been for 
the vile stratagem of their heartless foes, 

12. Before arriving at Wyoming, the Tories sent a 
messenger to the fort, stating that they would not do the 
inhabitants any injury, but wished to hold a conference 
with them, a short distance from the village. Without 
suspecting the treacherous designs of his enemies. 
Colonel Butler, the commander of the fort, leaving 
behind him a small force, set out with the main body of 
his men to meet them. 

13. They marched with the messenger, into a thick 
and gloomy forest; here they were suddenly surrounded 
by the Tories and Indians, to the number of sixteen 
hundred, and most inhumanely massacred. Out of four 
hundred men that left the fort, only sixty escaped. The 
enemy then, hastened to attack the fortifications, which 
had been recentl}'- thrown up; and on arriving there 
they threw over the walls, the bleeding scalps of their 
murdered friends. Finding resistance useless, those 

Questions. — 10. Where was Wyominer situated ? What is said of 
it? 11. What did the Tories &c.,do? The inhabitants .? What did 
they throw up .'' 12. Before &c., what did the Tories do.'' What did 
Colonel Butler do ? 13. Where did they march ? Here what happened ? 
How many escaped. What did the enemy then do .'' What did they 
ask.-* 



74 UNITED STATES. 

within determined to surrender, and asked the Tory 
commander, what terms he would give them; he an- 
swered — the hatchet, 

14. A few moments more, and the horrid work was 
completed. The men were murdered, and the women, 
with infants in their arms, were locked up in their 
houses, or enclosed in the fort, and the whole consumed 
in one awful conflagration. The groans of the dying, 
and the shrieks of the living, were only answered by the 
imprecations of the whites, and the deafening war-whoop 
of the savages. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Gates' Defeat — The Treachery of General Arnold — The 
Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown» 

1. During the year 1779, the theatre of the war was 
changed from the north, to the southern provinces of 
the country. Charleston, the capital of South Carolina, 
was taken by the British, after a siege of six months ; 
and having reduced the capital, they began to carry their 
devastations through the interior of the State. 

2. In order to check the progress of the enemy, the 
Americans formed themselves into small parties, under 
Generals Sumpter, Marion, and other leaders. The bold 
and patriotic deeds of these noble men, have always been 
a theme of admiration. They fought without pay, they 
wore no uniform, and depended on chance for food to 

Questions. — 13. What did he reply.'' 14. What happened to the 
men.'' The women .^ What is said of the groans of tne dying-.' 1. 
What took place during- the year 1779 .'' What is said of Charleston? 
2. What did the Americans form .' What is said of their deeds ? How 
did they fig-ht .'' 



^ 



THE REVOLUTION. 75 

eat. They were often without arms and ammunition, 
and were obliged to watch, as their companions shot 
down the enemy, when they would instantly seize their 
muskets and cartridges. But all this they joyfully en- 
dured; because they were contending for the rights of 
their country, the liberty of their children, and those 
blessings of freedom, which we enjoy. 

3. On a certain occasion, a British officer was sent 
from Georgetown to negotiate an exchange of prisoners, 
and was conducted to General Marion's quarters. He 
was kindly received and politely entertained by the 
General, and having concluded his business, was about 
to retire, when Marion invited him to dine with him. 
To this the officer readily consented. Dinner was im- 
mediately ordered, which consisted of a few roasted 
sweet potatoes, piled upon a piece of bark; they were 
placed between Marion and the British officer, whoweie 
seated upon a log. 

4. As the officer took one of the potatoes, he broke 
forth into a fit of laughter, but immediately apologized, 
saying: ''Pardon me. General; I was only laughing at 
what I thought, some of my brother officers would say, 
if such poor fare was set before them." ''But, Gene- 
ral," continued the officer, " if your fare is bad, your pay 
is good." 

5. "Pay!" exclaimed Marion; "we receive no pay, 
and never expect to receive a cent. " The officer was so 
struck with what he had seen and heard, that on his re- 
turn to Georgetown, he resigned his commission, and 
retired from the service, saying, that it was useless to 
contend with men, who made such sacrifices to maintain 
their libert3^ 

Questions. — 5. What were they often oblig'ed to do? Why did they 
joyfully endure all this? 3. On one occasion, what took place? What 
did Marion invite him to do? Of what did the dinner consist? 4. 
What is related of the officer ? AVhat did he say ? What did he add =* 
5. What did Marion reply ? What is said of the officer ? 



76 UNITED STATES. 

6. It happened at this time, that the command of the 
southern army was intrusted to General Gates, the hero 
of Saratoga, who was sent into South Carolina. Gates 
was brave, but imprudent; he led his army through a 
dreary and barren part of the country, and many of 
his men died on the route, from disease, fatigue, and 
want. At length he arrived near Camden, and took up 
a very unfavorable position between two swamps. 

7. In the meantime, Lord Cornwallis, learning his 
position, hastened to join Lord Rawdon with reinforce- 
ments, and on the 16th of August, a severe engagement 
took place. At the first charge of the British, the Vir- 
ginia troops under General Gates fled, and spread con- 
fusion and disorder among the North Carolina militia. 
Gates was struck with consternation ; all his former cour- 
age seemed to have forsaken him ; and seeing the disor- 
der of his men, he put spurs to his horse, and fled with 
the utmost speed for eighty miles, before he stopped. 

8. After the flight of Gates, the battle Avas maintained 
by the illustrious Baron De Kalb, who for some time, 
bravely repulsed the advancing battalions of the enemy. 
De Kalb was a distinguished Prussian General, who, like 
Lafayette, Pulaski, and others, left his home and came 
to this country to aid the Americans in gaining their in- 
dependence. 

9. In this battle he commanded the regular troops of 
Maryland and Delaware, and like a true hero, bravely 
maintained his position, until overpowered by numbers 
and surrounded by the enemy, he fell pierced with eleven 
wounds. His soldiers, who tenderly loved him, gathered 
around their fallen general, and fought with desperation 

Questions. — 6. What happened at this time ? What is said of 
Gates? Where did he take up his position ? 7. What is said of Corn- 
wallis ? At the first charge, what is said ? What is related of Gates ? 
8. After the flight of Gates, by whom was the battle maintained ? 
What is said of De Kalb ? 9. What did he command ? What is said 
of him? 



THE REVOLUTION. 77 

over his bleeding form, exclaiming in the bitterness of 
their grief — "Save the Baron De Kalb. " 

10. The noble conduct of De Kalb, even elicited the 
admiration of the enemy. To a British officer, who 
kindly endeavored to stop the blood, that flowed from 
his wounds, he said: " I thank you for your generous 
sympattiy, but I die the death I always prayed for — the 
death of a soldier, Jighting foj- the rigkts of inan. " 

11. During this year the sorrow of the nation was 
increased, by the treachery of General Arnold. The 
Americans could hear, with becoming fortitude, the de- 
feat of their armies, the death of their officers, and the 
loss of their soldiers : these things were in the nature of 
events, they were the chances of war. But never for a 
moment, did they imagine, that there was one among 
their small number capable of betraying his country. 

12. Can it be possible, they asked themselves again 
and again, can it be possible that he who fought and 
bled for his country, the hero of Saratoga's bloody field ; 
that General Arnold is a traitor 1 Alas! the fact was 
only too true. 

13. General Washington being called to Connecticut, 
left the important fortress of West Point under the com- 
mand of Arnold. During his absence, Arnold resolved 
to deliver up the fortress, with all its garrison, into the 
hands of the British. The British ag-ent, throuo;h whom 
the negotiation was conducted, was the unfortunate 
Major Andre. After having an interview with the 
traitor, Andre was returning to New York, when he 
was detected by three Americans, and thus the treac]\- 
erous designs of Arnold were fortunately discovered, 
before they could be carried into execution. 

Questions. — 9. What did his soldiers do, and exclaim? 10. To a 
British officer, what did he say ? 11. During- the year what is said.* 
What is said of the Americans? What did they never think? 12. 
What did they ask themselves? 13. What is said of General Wash- 
ington ? What did Arnold resolve? Who was the British agent? 
Alter having- an interview &c., what happened to Andre? 



78 UNITED STATES. 

14. The names of the three Americans, who detec- 
ted Andre, were John Paulding, David Williams, and 
Isaac Van Wart. On searching him, they found a 
drawing of the fort, and other papers in Arnold's own 
hand-writing, concealed in one of his boots. Andre 
offered them his gold watch, and a large sum of money 
if they would let him go ; but they refused his offers, 
and led him in triumph to the American camp. 

15. Andre was tried by a court martial, and being 
convicted as a spy, his life was forfeited by the laws of 
war. His youth and many amiable qualities, endeared 
him to the officers of the British army, while his fate 
was deeply regretted by all. Arnold escaped to New 
York, and received, as the reward of his treachery, an 
appointment to the office of General in the British army. 

16. During the summer of 1781, the British forces in 
the south were greatly weakened, by the loss of several 
important battles. Colonel Tarleton, the British com- 
mander, was defeated by the Americans under General 
Morgan, in the battle of the Cow-pens ; and Colonel 
Stewart was defeated by General Green and General 
Marion in the battle at Eutaw Springs. After this battle 
Lord Cornwallis left South Carolina, and fortified him- 
self at Yorktown in Virginia. 

17. General Washington, learning the position of 
Cornwallis, secretly left his camp at White Plains, 
crossed the Hudson with his army, and passing rapidly 
through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, arrived at the 
head of Elk River, where he was joined by a consid- 
erable reinforcement under Marquis De Lafayette. 
Without losing a moment, Washington embarked his 
forces and arrived at Yorktown. 

Questions. — 14. What are the names of the three Americans.'' 
Where did they find his papers ? What did he offer them .'' 15. What 
is said of Andre.' His youth &c. .'' What became of Arnold.? 16. 
What is said of the British forces .? Where and by whom was Tarle- 
ton and Stewart defeated ? Where did Cornwallis fortify himself? 
17. What is said of General Washing-ton ? By whom was he joined.-' 



THE REVOLUTION. 79 

18. Here a close siege was commenced, and carried 
on with so much vigor, by the united forces of France 
and America, that Lord Cornwallis, on the 19th of 
October, was compelled to sign articles of capitulation, 
by which his whole array, his shipping, and military 
stores, loere surrendered to General Washino-ton. 

19. This event spread universal joy among the Ameri- 
cans. General Washington ordered divine service to be 
performed in the different brigades of the army, and the 
members of Congress went in procession to church, and 
there publicly offered up thanks to God, for the signal 
triumph of the American arms. 

20. This event may be considered, as the termination 
of the American struggle for independence. Great 
Britain, seeing that no rational hope remained of con- 
quering America, resolved to discontinue a war, which 
had only reflected discredit upon her arms. Accord- 
ingly on the 3d of September, 1783, a definite treaty of 
peace was concluded at Versailles, by which the thirteen 
United Colonies, were admitted to be, ^^ Free, Sovereign 
and Independent States.^ ^ 

21. After this the patriotic army was disbanded, and 
General Washins-ton, after taking; an affectionate leave 
of the soldiers and officers, who had fought by his side, 
resiorned his commission, and as-ain retired to his estate 
at Mount Vernon, carrying with him into his retirement 
of private life, the gratitude of his country and the 
applause and admiration of the world. 

Questions. — 18. Here what was commenced? What was Corn- 
wallis compelled to do ? 19. What is said of this event '^ What did 
Washing-ton order .? What did Congress do ? 20. What may this 
event be considered? What is saicf of Great Britain? In Septem- 
ber, 1783, what took place? 21. What took place, after this? What 
did General Washington do? When did he retire'' 



CHAPTER V. 

The Formation of the Constitution — Washington elected 
the first President. 

1. At the close of the war, it was found that the 
Articles of Confederation, by which the States were 
governed, were weak and imperfect : it was therefore 
determined to establish some general form of govern- 
ment, better suited to the time, and the growing pros- 
perity of the country. Accordingly, delegates from all 
the States except Rhode Island, met at Philadelphia, and 
after four months' deliberation, they succeeded in forming 
the present constitution of the United States. 

2. By the constitution, all legislative powers are 
placed in a Congress, consistii^g of a President, a Senate 
and House of Representatives. According to the pro- 
visions of the constitution, the several States immedi- 
ately elected their delegates to Congress ; and by the 
unanimous vote of the people. General Washington was 
chosen the first President. 

3. When the appointment was made known to him, he 
yielded to the call of his country, and bidding adieu to 
his peaceful retirement at Mount Vernon, he proceeded 
to New York, where the Congress was then assembled. 
His progress to that city, was marked by every demon- 
stration of respect ; triumphal arches were erected, to 
commemorate his achievements ; and he was every where 
hailed as the Father of his country. 

Questions. — I. At the close of the war, what was formed? What 
was determined ? Where did the delegates assemble ? 2. By the 
constitution, where are the powers placed? Who was chosen the first 
president ? 



Washington's administration. 81 

4. On the 30th of April in 1789, he was inaugurated 
as President of the United States, in the City Hall of 
New York, the oath of office being administered by Mr. 
Livingston, chancellor of the State of New York. John 
Adams of Massachusetts, who had borne a distinguished 
part in the Revolution, was elected the first Vice Presi- 
dent. 

5. At the end of General Washington's second term 
of office, he declined a re-election, and after delivering 
a farewell address to the people, he retired again to his 
residence at Mount Vernon. He was succeeded in the 
administration by John Adams, who was elected the 
second President of the United States. 

6. During Mr. Adams' administration, the hostile at- 
titude of France towards the United States, caused the 
American government to adopt measures of defence. 
The navy was increased, an army raised and General 
Washington was appointed commander-in-chief. These 
decisive measures on the part of the United States, in- 
duced the French government to listen to an amicable 
settlement of the dispute. 

7. At this time the nation was destined to experience 
a severe loss by the death of General Washington. On 
the 14th of December he received a slight sjDrinkle of 
rain, and was seized in a few hours afterwards, with an 
inflammation of the throat, attended with a fever; he 
died on the following day at Mount Vernon, his resi- 
dence, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. A. D. 1799. 

8. Mr. Jeffisrson succeeded Mr. Adams in the office 
of President. During Mr. Jefferson's administration, dis- 
putes occurred with Algiers, Tunis, Morocco, and Tripoli. 

Questions. — 4. What happened on April 30th? Who was the first 
Vice President ? 5. What ciid General Washington decline ? What 
did he do? By whom was he succeeded? 6. During- Adams' ad- 
ministration, what took place? What was done? 7. At this time, 
what took place ? On the 14th, what happened ? When and where 
did Washing-ton die? 8. Who succeeded Mr. Adams? During- his 
administration, what occurred ? 

6 



§2 UNITED STATES. 

The difficulty with the three first, was easily settled ; 
but Tripoli persisted in demanding certain tributes, which 
the United States refused to pay, and immediately cap- 
tured several American vessels. 

9. In 1803, Commodore Preble, wdth a small squadron, 
was sent into the Mediterranean, to protect Ameri- 
can commerce, but shortly after his arrival, the frigate 
Philadelphia, under the command of Captain Brainbridge, 
ran upon a rock near Tripoli; she was obliged to strike 
her colors, and her officers and crew were made prison- 
ers. The Tripolitans, having released the Philadelphia, 
drew her into the harbor of Tripoli ; but she was shortly 
afterwards destroyed by Commodore Decatur, who sailed 
into the very harbor of Tripoli and set her on fire, and 
escaped, amidst a terrific shower of balls from the ene- 
my's batteries, without the loss of a single man. The 
war was finally terminated by a treaty, in 1805. 

Questions. — 8. What did Tripoli demand ? 9. In 1803, what took 
place? What happened the fng-ate Philadelphia? What was she 
oblig-ed to do ? By whom was she destroyed. 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Causes of the War — The Surrender of General Hull 
— The Capture of the British Frigate Guerriere — The 
Invasion of Canada, and Death of General Pike. 




Perry' s Victory on Lake Erie. 

1. During the 3-ear of 1806, the British government 
declared ail the French and German ports to be in a 
state of blockade, and prohibited all neutral vessels from 
trading with France and Germany, under the penalty of 
being seized and condemned. Shortly after this, the 
Emp^eror of France issued a decree, prohibiting all in- 
tercourse with the British Islands. While the trade of 
the United States was thus restricted by the contending 

~Qdestions.— 1. During- 1806, what did the British g-overnment do ? 
What did the Emperor of France do ? While the trade was restricted , 
&c., what is said ? 



84 tNlTED STATES. 

powers of Europe, another species of insult and injury 
arose. 

2. This was the custom practised by Great Britain, 
of searching American vessels, and taking from them 
such seamen, as were supposed to be British deserters. 
This custom was subject to great abuse, because it was 
difficult to distinguish between American and British 
seamen ; but there was, moreover, strong reason to be- 
lieve, that the British officers did not wish to make this 
distinction, and that in many instances, American citi- 
zens were compelled to serve in the British navy. 

3. In 1809, Mr. James Madison succeeded Mr. Jef- 
ferson in the office of President of the United States, 
The President, during the three first years of his adminis- 
tration, did every thing in his power to effect an amicable 
settlement of the difficulties between the United States 
and Great Britain. But all his endeavors were fruitless ; 
Great Britain still continued to search American vessels, 
and to impose restriction on American trade. 

4. At length, on the first of June, 1812, Mr. Madison 
sent a message to Congress, strongly recommending to 
that body a declaration of war, against Great Britain. 
The principal grounds for this measure, as stated in the 
message, were the searching of American vessels by the 
British ; the blockading of the ports of the enemies, and 
the suspicions, that the Indians had been instigated to 
acts of hostilities, by the British agents. 

5. The first operation, after the declaration of war, 
was an expedition against Canada. This expedition was 
conducted by General Hull, who, on the 16th of August, 
disgracefully surrendered his whole army into the hands 
of the British. Hull was afterwards tried, and found 

Questions. — 2. What was this custom .'' What is said of the cus- 
tom ? What was there reason to believe? 3. Who succeeded Mr. Jef- 
ferson ? What did the president do .'' What did the British still con- 
tinue .'' 4. In 1812, what did Mr. Madison do.-* What were the 
g-rounds of the war .-* 5. What was the first operation ? What is said 
of General Hull .'' What was afterwards done with him .'' 



War with England. 85 

guilty of cowardice and neglect of duty, and was con- 
demned to be shot; but on account of his age, and the 
services he had rendered during the Revolution, he was 
recommended to mercy, and the punishment of death 
was withdrawn by the President. 

6. The 19th of August, of this year, is memorable for 
the action between the American frigate Constitution, 
and the British frio-ate Guerriere. The Constitution was 
commanded by Captain Hull, and the Guerriere by Cap- 
tain Dacres ; and after an action of only twenty minutes, 
the Guerriere struck her colors, and yielded to Hull. 
The loss of the Guerriere was fifteen killed and sixty- 
four wounded; and that of the Constitution was seven 
killed and seven wounded. 

7. In October, the frigate United States, commanded 
by Captain Decatur, took the British frigate Macedonia, 
and in the following month, the British sloop Frolic, m as 
captured by the Wasp commanded by Captain Jones. 

8. During the year 1813, the war was attended with 
various success. In the early part of the year, Canada 
was again invaded by a detachment of men under Gene- 
ral Winchester, but they were defeated by the British 
and Indians, near Frenchtown ; and the greater part of 
those who surrendered to the enemy, were inhumanely 
massacred by the savages. 

9. In April, another attempt at the reduction of Can- 
ada was made, under General Pike ; York, the capital of 
Upper Canada, was taken, but the brave and heroic 
Pike was killed in the moment of victory, by the explo- 
sion of a magazine. 

Questions.— 6. What took place on the 19th of August? Who 
commanded the Constitution ? The Guerriere? What was the loss on 
both sides ? 7. What took place in October? 8. In 1813, what is said 
of the war? By whom was Canada again invaded? What is said of 
those who surrendered? 9. In April, what was done? What was 
taken ? Who was killed ? 



CHAPTER 1 1. 

Perry^s Victory — Battle of the Thames — Battle of Lundy^s 
Lane — Battle of Bladenshurg — Battle of JVorth Point 
^—Battle of J^ew Orleans. 

1. One of the most brilliant achievements of the war 
was Perry's victory upon Lake Erie. His little fleet 
consisted of nine small vessels carrying only fifty-four 
guns ; while the English squadron numbered six ships, 
carrying sixty-three guns. In the early part of the 
engagement the flag ship of Perry, suffered severely, 
and was in a sinking condition, when the gallant Perry, 
seizing his flag and waving it in the breeze, leaped into 
an open boat, and passed amidst a shower of balls from 
the enemy, to another of his vessels. 

2. The battle now raged with redoubled fury, but 
after a tremendous conflict of three hours, victory 
declared in favor of the Americans ; the stars and the 
stripes floated in triumph, over the wreck of the British 
squadron. 

3. After this victory General Harrison embarked his 
forces, and landed on the Canada shore, and on the 5th 
of October defeated the British under General Proctor, 
in the battle of the Thames. In this battle, the cele- 
brated Indian Chief, Tecumseh, was killed by Colonel 
Johnson. 

4. 1814. One of the best contested battles that oc- 
curred during the war, was that of Lundy's Lane, which 
took place near Niagara Falls, and on that account is 

Questions, — 1. What was the most brilliant achievement? In the 
early part of the action what took place? What did Perry do? 2. 
What is now said of the battle ? Of the stars and stripes ? 3. What 
did General Harrison do ? What battle did he g-ain ? Who was killed 
in this battle? 4. What was one of the best contested battles? 



'ST WAR WITH ENGLAND. 

sometimes called the battle of Niagara. The Americans 
were commanded by General Brown, and General Scott, 
the present commander-in-chief of the American forces, 
who was then second in command. 

5. The battle commenced about sundown, and raged 
with terrific fury until midnight. The British fought 
with desperation, and often charged the Americans Avith 
the point of the bayonet; but they were bravely repuls- 
ed, and finally driven from every position, leaving the 
Americans in quiet possession of the field. In this battle 
Generals Brown and Scott were both wounded, and the 
command devolved on General Ripley. 

6. In September of this year, a combined attack was 
made on Plattsburg, b}'- the British squadron, comm^anded 
by Commodore Downie and a land force under Sir 
George Prevost. The naval force was completely de- 
stroyed by the American fleet commanded by Commodore 
McDonough. During the engagement of the fleets, the 
British were eflectually repulsed in their attack on the 
forts of Plattsburg, by the Americans under the com- 
mand of General Macomb. 

7. The tide of victory, which had attended the Ameri- 
can army, during this year, met with a momentary check, 
in the unfortunate battle of Bladensburg. In the month 
of August, a British fleet entered the Chesapeake, and 
landed a force of six thousand men under the command 
of General Ross, on the banks of the Patuxent, about 
forty miles from the city of Washington. At Bladens- 
burg they were met by the Americans, under General 
Winder, but at the commencement of the battle, the 
militia disgracefully fled, leaving Commodore Barney, 
and his small band of marines, to sustain the whole 
weig-ht of the conflict. 

Questions. — 4. By whom were the Americans commanded ? 5. 
What is said of the battle? The British? Who were wounded? 6, 
What was done in September ? What is said of the naval forces ? 
During- the engag-cment, what took place? 7. What is said of the tide 
of victor)'? In August what took place? At Bladensburg? 



UNITED STATES. '88 

8. Barney bravely maintained his position, until he 
was wounded and taken prisoner. After this battle, the 
British proceeded to Washington, burnt the capitol, the 
President's house, and other public buildings, and then 
retired without molestation. 

9. A few weeks after this event, a combined attack 
was made upon the city of Baltimore, by a British 
fleet of fifty sail under Admiral Cochrane, and a land 
force of seven thousand men, under the command of 
General Ross. On the morning of the 12th of Septem- 
ber, they landed at North Point, where they were met 
by General Strieker, at the head of three thousand five 
hundred men. As the British were advancing. General 
Ross was shot through the breast by one of the American 
riflemen, and falling in the arms of his aid-de-camp, he 
expired in a few minutes. 

10. The command then devolved on Colonel Brook, 
who led on the attack. General Strieker, after main- 
taining his position for an hour and a half, against great 
superiority of numbers, retired to Worthington Mills. 
In the meantime, a furious assault was made on Fort 
McHenry, by the British squadron ; but finding all their 
attempts fruitless, they abandoned their designs, and 
the fleet, taking on board the land forces, moved down 
the bay. 

11. The last important event of the war, was the 
battle of New Orleans. The British under the com- 
mand of General Packingham sailed up the Mississippi, 
and landed a short distance below the city, and after 
enduring incredible fatigue and difiiculties, they reached 
the main entrenchment of the Americans, who were 
commanded by the heroic General Andrew Jackson. 

Questions. — 8. What is said of Barney ? After the battle what did 
the British do ? 9. After this what was done ? On the 12th of Sep- 
tember, what did they do ? As they were advancing", what took place ? 
10. On whom did the command devolve .'' What is said of General 
Strieker? What place was assaulted, &c. .^ 11. What was the last 
important event.' What is said of the British &c. ? 



89 War with England. 

12. Jackson had made a fortification out of cotton 
bales; and behind these the Americans, being secure 
from danger, awaited the approach of the enemy. At 
length on the 8th of January, 1815, the British advanced 
to the attack, but were repulsed with immense slaughter. 
They fled in the utmost confusion, leaving seven hun- 
dred of their companions dead upon the field of battle, 
fourteen hundred wounded, and five hundred prisoners 
in the hands of the Americans. Generals Packingham 
and Gibbs were both mortally wounded. The loss on 
the part of the Americans, was only seven killed and 
six wounded. 

13. On the 24th of December, of the previous year, a 
treaty of peace had been signed at Ghent, between the 
United States and Great Britain; and the news of this 
treaty, arriving shortly after the battle of New Orleans, 
put an end to further hostilities. 

14. In 1817, Mr. James Monroe succeeded Mr. Madi- 
son in the office of President; and in 1825, John Quincy 
Adams, succeeded Mr. Monroe. During the adminis- 
tration of Mr. Adams, General Lafayette paid a visit to 
the United States. In 1829, Mr. Adams was succeeded 
by General Jackson, who filled the office of President, 
until 1837, when he was succeeded by Martin Van Buren. 

15. In 1841, General Harrison was elected President 
of the United States, but died on the 4th of April, after 
his inauguration, leaving the office to the Vice-President, 
John Tyler. Mr. Tyler was succeeded by James K. 
Polk, who, after filling the office for four years, was suc- 
ceeded by the present incumbent. General Zachary 
Taylor. 

Questions. — 12. What did Jackson do? On the 8th of January, 
1815, what took place.'' How many did they leave dead, &c..'' What 
was the Americans' loss? 13. On the 24th of December, what took 

Slace? What is said of the news of this treaty? 14. Who succeeded 
Ir. Madison, and Mr. Monroe? In 1825, what took place? Who 
succeeded Mr. Adams? 15. In 1841, what took place? Who suc- 
ceeded Mr. Tylor ? Who succeeded Mr. Polk? 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Causes of the War — The Battle of Palo Alto — Bat- 
tle of Resaca de la Pahna — Battle of Monterey — Battle 
of Buena Vista. 

1. The principal cause of the late war with Mexico, 
was the admission of Texas into the Union, which took 
place on the 29th of December, 1845. Texas had been 
a Mexican State, but revolted against the power of 
Mexico, and in 1836, established her independence. 

2. The boundary between the two republics, had 
never been settled. Texas held the Rio Grande, from 
its source to its mouth, to be the boundary line between 
the two countries ; while Mexico regarded the river 
Nueces, as the boundary, and claimed the territory be- 
tween the two rivers. Such was the state of things, 
when Texas was admitted into the Union. 

3. The United States having admitted Texas with the 
Nueces as her southern boundary, claimed the disputed 
territory, and of necessity, became bound to settle the diffi- 
culty with the government of Mexico. Mexico still main- 
tained her right to the territory between the two rivers, 
and began to make preparations to invade the country. 

4. On receiving intelligence of this, Mr. Polk, who 
had lately been raised to the office of President, directed 

Questions. — 1. What was the principal cause, &c.? What is said 
of Texas? 2. What is said of the boundary? What did Texas hold ? 
What did Mexico reg-ard ? 3. What is said of the United States ? Of 
Mexico? 4. What did Mr. Polk direct? 



WAR WITH MEXICO. 91 

General Taylor to take up some convenient position be- 
yond the river Nueces, in order to repel any invasion 
on the part of Mexico. Accordingly, General Taylor 
crossed the Nueces, and took up a position at Point Isa- 
bel; and leaving a garrison at this place, he moved south 
to the banks of the Rio Grande, and erected a fort, called 
Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras, a town on the Mexi- 
can side of the river. 

5. In the early part of May, General Taylor, leaving 
a small force at Fort Brown, returned to Point Isabel. 
During his absence however, a furious attack was made 
on Fort Brown by the Mexicans, under General Arista. 
On receiving intelligence of this. General Taylor im- 
mediately commenced his march back to Fort Brown, 
and on the 8th of May, he was met by the enemy drawn 
up in order of battle, at a point called Palo Alto. 

6. A furious battle ensued, in which the Mexicans 
were defeated, with a loss of nearly four hundred in 
killed and wounded ; while the loss on the side of the 
Americans, was nine killed, and forty-two wounded. 
Among the slain on the part of the Americans, was the 
brave and lamented Major Ringgold. While Ringgold 
was advancing furiously to the charge, he was struck 
by a cannon ball, which killed his horse, and inflicted 
on himself, a mortal wound. General Taylor and his 
little army encamped upon the field of battle, surrounded 
by many of their fallen companions, while the groans of 
the dying, and shrieks of the wounded of the enemy, 
broke the stillness of the midnight air. 

7. On the following morning General Taylor marched 
forward towards Fort Brown ; and having arrived within 
about three miles of the fort, he met with the enem}', who 

Questions. — 4. What did General Taylor do? Where did he pro- 
ceed and erect ? 5. In May, what did General Taylor do ? Durin^- his 
absence, what took place ? On the 8th of May, what did he meet? 6. 
What ensued ? AVhat was the number of the killed and wounded on 
both sides ? Who was among- the slain ? What did General Taylor and 
his army do? 7. Where did he meet the enemy? 



92 UNITED STATES. 

occupied a strong position, at a place called Resaca de 
la Palma. The battle was commenced on both sides 
with the most determined bravery, and for some time 
maintained with equal success. 

8. In a few hours, however the contest was decided, the 
Mexicans were routed, and fled with precipitation to the 
river, leaving the whole of their artillery, and two thou- 
sand stand of arms, together with the private papers of 
General Arista, in the hands of the Americans. The 
battle is memorable for the desperate charge of Colonel 
May. May, with his troop, charged up to the very 
mouth of the enemy's cannon, drove the men from the 
guns, silenced their battery, and took General La Vega 
prisoner. 

9. A few days after this battle. General Taylor entered 
Matamoras without opposition. Here he was obliged to 
remain for a considerable time, for want of troops and 
supplies, to follow up his success. In the meantime, a 
large Mexican force had collected at Monterey, the capital 
of New Leon, under the command of General Ampudia. 

10. On the 7th of September the American army of 
six thousand men left Matamoras, and on the 19th en- 
camped under the very wall of Monterey, then fortified, 
and defended by a garrison of ten thousand men. On 
the morning of the 21st, General Taylor ordered an 
attack. The Americans were led to the charge by 
Generals Twiggs, Butler, and Worth, and other distin- 
guished officers ; and after an obstinate contest of nearly 
three days, the city yielded to the valor of the Ameri- 
cans. The battle was attended with a severe loss on 
both sides. The Americans lost one hundred and twenty- 

QuESTiONS. — 7. What is said of the battle? 8. What is said of the 
Mexicans ? What did they leave ? For what is it memorable ? What 
did May do ? 9. After this battle, what did General Taylor do ? Here 
what is said ? Where had they collected ? 10. On the 7th of Septem- 
ber what took place ? On the 21st what did General Taylor order? 
By whom were the Americans led &c.? What is said of the city? 
What was the loss on both sides ? 



THE WAR AVITH MEXICO. 93 

six killed and about three hundred and fifty wounded, 
and among the killed was the lamented Colonel Watson. 
The Mexican loss was estimated at one thousand men, 
in killed and wounded. 

11. Nothing of importance occurred from this period 
until the return of the following spring. In the early 
part of February, General Taylor moved towards the 
south with a force of about five thousand men, and 
finally took up a position at a place, called Buena Vista, 
a few miles from Saltillo. Here on the 22d of February, 
he was met by a Mexican army of twenty thousand 
men, under the command of their renowned leader, 
General Santa Anna, and on the following morning the 
memorable battle of Buena Vista took place. 

12. Long and bloody was the contest ; at one time 
our little army seemed as if nothing could save it from 
destruction ; again the tide of victory rolled back the 
advancing foe ; at length the courage and skill of the 
Mexicans yielded to the valor of the Americans; the 
shout of victory re-echoed through the hills and valleys 
of Buena Vista. The next day the Mexican army 
retired to San Louis Potosi, leaving behind them hun- 
dreds of their dead and dying. 

Questions. — 11. In February what did General Taylor do ? On the 
22d by what was he met ? What took place.? 12. What is snid of the 
contest.'' At one time, what is said of our army.? Ag-ain of the tide 
of victory.? At length what is said.? What did the Mexicans do? 



CHAPTER II. 

The reduction of Vera Cruz — The Battle of Cerro Gordo 
■ — The Battle of Contreras — The Surrender of the City 
of Mexico. 

1. On the 23d of November, General Scott received 
orders from the Secretary of War, to repair to Mexico, 
and take the command of the troops there assembled. 
The first operation of General Scott, after reaching 
Mexico, was the reduction of the city of Vera Cruz. 

2. On the 22d of March, 1847, General Scott and his 
army stood before the city of Vera Cruz; but before 
commencing operations, he sent a summons to the Mexi- 
can commander to surrender the city. The summons 
M^as rejected, and the American batteries immediately 
opened a destructive fire upon the city. The cannon- 
ading continued, from this time until the morning of the 
26th, when the city, and the famous castle of San Juan 
de Ulloa, surrendered to General Scott. 

3. After the reduction of Vera Cruz, General Scott 
commenced his march with about six thousand men 
towards the city of Mexico, the capital of the republic. 
At Cerro Gordo, he was met by a Mexican force of fifteen 
thousand men under the command of General Santa 
Anna. An obstinate battle followed, in which the Mexi- 
cans were defeated with a loss of one thousand two 
hundred in killed and wounded, and three thousand 
prisoners. The American loss was sixty-three killed 
and three hundred and eighty-six wounded. 

Questions. — 1. On the 23d of November what took place? What 
was his first operation ? 21 On 22nd of March, what took place ? 
But before operations, what did he do ? On the 26th, what took place ? 
3. After this, what did General Scott do ? At Cerro Gordo, what did he 
meet? What followed? What was the American loss ? 



WAH WITH MEXICO. 95 

4. On the 19th of April, General Worth entered the 
city of Jalapa, and on the 22d took possession of the 
city and castle of Perote ; and on the following day he oc- 
cupied the city of Puebla, where General Scott remained 
for the greater part of the summer. 

5. In the early part of August, General Scott resum- 
ed his march towards the city of Mexico. He met with 
but little interruption until he reached Contreras, an 
eminence strongly fortified, about fifteen miles from that 
city. At this place a furious battle took place,, w^hich 
terminated in favor of the Americans. 

6. After this battle, our forces passed rapidly on 
towards Churubusco. At this point the main body of 
the Mexican army, to the number of twenty-seven thou- 
sand men under the command of Santa Anna, had taken 
up its position, resolved to make a desperate stand to 
save the capital. About noon, on the 20th of August, the 
battle commenced, and after a terrific conflict of three 
hours, the scale of victory turned in favor of the 
Americans. 

7. After taking Molino del Rey, or the King's Mill, 
and several other important, and strongly fortified places, 
General Scott arrived with his armv on the 14th of 
September at the very gates of the renowned city of the 
Montezumas. The city surrendered ; and on the follow- 
ing morning, at 7 o'clock, the star spangled banner, 
floated in triumph over the capital of the Mexican 
Republic. A treaty of peace between the United States 
and Mexico, was shortly afterwards signed, and the 
hostilities between the two nations, were happily termi- 
nated. 

Questions. — 4. On the 19th of April, what took place? On the 
22d &c. .'' 5. In Aug-ust, what did Scott do ? What place did he reach ? 
What took place .'' 6. What did our forces do ? At this point what 
is related.'' On the 20th of Au^-ust what took place ? 7. After taking- 
Molino del Rey &c., what did Scott do .'' What is said of the city 
&c. .' Of the treaty of peace ? 



FEANCE. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Foundation of the French Monarchy — The Reign of 
Clovis — Pepin — Charlemagne. 




Surrender of Calais. 

1. The early inhabitants of France, were a barbarous 
race from the northern parts of Germany, called the 
Franks ; and from them, France derives its name. About 
the year 481, Clovis, the son of Childeric became King 
of the Franks, and is generally regarded as the founder 
of the French Monarchy. 

2. Clotilda, the wife of Clovis, was a christian, and 
through her means Clovis and many of his subjects 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the inhabitants? About the year 
481, what did Clovis become.'' 2. What is said of Clotilda .'' 



FRANCE. 97 

embraced Christianity. He made Paris the seat of 
his government, and after a long and prosperous reign, 
he left his kingdom divided between his four sons. 
A. D, 511. 

3. About the middle of the eighth century, a revolu- 
tion took place, and Pepin, surnamed the Short, was 
raised to the French throne. It happened at this time, 
that the Lombards, W'ho w^ere already masters of the 
greater part of Italy, extended their ravages to the very 
walls of Rome. In his distress, Pope Stephen applied 
for assistance to the King of France. 

4. Pepin immediately crossed the Alps, defeated the 
Lombards, and obliged them to submit to humiliating 
terms of peace. Shortly after this, the Lombards again 
commenced hostilities, and Pepin a second time defeated 
them, and solemnly bestow^ed on Pope Stephen and his 
successors in the pontifical chair, his conquests in Italy; 
it was by this means, that the head of the Christian 
Church was raised to the dignity of a temporal prince. 

5. Pepin was succeeded by his son Charlemagne, or 
Charles the Great. Charles is said to have been seven 
feet in height, of a robust and majestic appearance. He 
was eminent as a statesman, and as a warrior, he far 
surpassed all the sovereigns of his age. He was frugal 
in his diet, and plain in his dress, and took particular 
delight in appearing ornamented with the productions of 
his wife and daughters, who were usually employed at 
their needle. ::■:: ;>:?:; :;;::o;y.\ri irr^V;: 

6. He died in 814, in the seventy-first year of his 
age, and forty-seventh of his reign. His son, Louis the 
First, succeeded to the throne. The reign of this mon- 
arch was rendered unhappy, by the unnatural rebellion 
of his sons. The ungrateful children twice dethroned 

Questions. — 2. To whom did he leave his king-dom ? 3. In the 
eig-hth century, what took place ? 5. By whom was Pepin succeeded ? 
What is said of Charles ? His diet, dress, &c.? 6. When did he die? 
By whom was he succeeded ? What ia said of his reign ? 

7 



98 FRANCE, 

their father ; and again restored him to the throne. Af- 
ter the death of Louis, which took place in 840, the most 
bitter contention broke out between his three sons, and 
thousands of their unhappy subjects were slaughtered, 
in the ruinous wars that followed. 

7. Nothing of any particular interest occurred, until 
the race of Charlemagne became extinct, and the Cape- 
tian race of Kings succeeded. A. D. 987. 



CHAPTER II. 

The Capetian Race of Kings — From A. D. 987 to 1328. 

1. The first king of this name was Hugh Capet. He 
was an able sovereign, and his administration was di- 
rected with wisdom and moderation. He never assumed 
the ensigns of royalty ; and even on great occasions, he 
appeared in a plain and simple dress. 

2. Few events of importance occur in the history of 
France, from the reign of Hugh Capet, until the reign of 
Philip the First, who ascended the throne in 1080. 
During the reign of this prince, France was invaded by 
William the Conqueror, of England, an event, which 
laid the foundation of that long continued rivalship, 
which for several succeeding centuries, existed between 
England and France. This reign is also distinguished 
by the preaching of the first Crusade by Peter the 
Hermit. 

3. Philip was succeeded by his son Louis VI., an 
able and accomplished sovereign, who enjoyed a pros- 

QuESTiONs. — 6. After his death, what took place? 1, Who was the 
first king- of this race ? What is said of him ? What did he never 
assume? 2. What is said of the event, and who succeeded in 1080? 
By whom was France invaded ? By what was his reig-n, also dis- 
tinguished ? 3. By whom wa3 Philip succeeded ? 



FRANCE. 99 

perous and useful reign. At the close of his life, when 
he found that death was approaching, he called his son, 
who was to succeed him, and addressed him in these 
words : '' My son, remember that royalty is nothing more 
than a public charge, of which you must render a strict 
account to Him, who makes kings and will judge them." 

4. Philip the Second, surnamed Augustus, succeeded 
to the throne in 1180. The reign of Philip was dis- 
tinguished for military skill and enterprise. He joined 
Richard the First, of England, in the third Crusade to 
Palestine. France was invaded by John King of Eng- 
land, in conjunction with the Emperor of Germany, but 
their immense army, was entirely defeated by Philip 
at Bouvines. 

5. Philip died in 1223, and was succeeded in the 
throne by his son Louis VHL, who, after a short reign 
of three years, left his crown and throne to his son Louis 
IX. Louis the Ninth, commonly called Saint Louis, 
was only twelve years of age, when he ascended the 
throne, and during his minority his mother, Blanche of 
Castile, filled the office of regent. 

6. In the person of Saint Louis were united, all those 
eminent qualities, that distinguish an illustrious sove- 
reign, with all the virtues that adorn a christian. Every 
action of his life was distinguished for benevolence, piety, 
and purity of intention. His illustrious and pious mo- 
ther, watched over his infancy and youth, with the most 
tender solicitude ; and endeavored by word and example, 
to instil into his youthful mind, sentiments of piety and 
religion. 

7. Frequently she would say to him: "My son, I 
love you devotedly ; but I would prefer to follow you to 

Questions. — 3. At the close of his life, how did he address his son ? 
4. Who succeeded? How was his reii^n distinsfuished? Who suc- 
ceeded? What is said of his reig-n? Whom did he join? What is 
said of France? 5. By whom was he succeeded? To whom did he 
leave the throne ? 6. What is said of Saint Louis ? What did his mo- 
ther do ? 7. What would she freqv;cutly say to him ? 



100 FRANCE. 

the silent tomb, rather than hear, that you had com- 
mitted one mortal sin.'^ O, beautiful example of true 
christian virtue ! May the mothers of our country, in- 
culcate the same maxims to their children; and may 
children, from the example of the youthful Louis, listen 
with docility to the advice of their parents. 

8. In the early part of his reign, France was invaded 
by Henry the Third of England ; but he was signally de* 
feated by Saint Louis, near Tailleburg, and finally com- 
pelled to sign a treaty of peace. The deplorable condi- 
tion of Palestine deeply afflicted his generous soul, and 
prompted him to engage in two disastrous Crusades, in 
the second of which he died of fever, near Tunis, in the 
fifty-sixth year of his age, and forty-fourth of his reign. 
A. D. 1270. 

9. In 1285, the throne of France was occupied by 
Philip the Fourth, the grandson of Saint Louis. The 
reign of this monarch is rendered memorable for the 
trial of the Knights Templars, and the suppression of 
their order. The Knights Templars were a military or- 
der, instituted at Jerusalem, for the purpose of defending 
the christians of the Holy Land, against the attacks of 
the infidels. They occupied a building in the city, which 
stood near the site of Solomon's Temple, from which the 
order derived its name. 

10. Charges of the greatest magnitude were brought 
against the order, and a committee was appointed at 
Paris, before which a great number of the knights were 
examined, and all, with the exception of three, acknow- 
ledged that they were guilty of the denial of Christ, of 
sacrilege, and many other enormous crimes. 

11. But as the persons accused belonged to an order, 

Questions. — 8. In the early part of his reig-n, what took place? 
What afflicted his soul ? How did he die ? 9. Who succeeded ? For 
what is his reig-n memorable ? Who were the Knig-hts Templars ? 
From what is their name derived ? 10. What was broug-ht ag-ainst 
them? Of what did they confess themselves g-uilty? 11. What is 
said of the persons accused ? 



FRANCE. 101 

which was religious, as well as military, it became neces- 
sary to refer the affair to the ecclesiastical authorities. 
Accordingly, a general council was convened at Vienna, 
before which the investigation of the conduct of the 
Templars, was laid. The examination into the affair had 
already occupied nearly five years, and now after a 
deliberation of four months more, the order was sup- 
pressed, and the property belonging to it transferred to 
the order of the Knights Hospitallers, of Saint John. 



CHAPTER III. 

Philip the Sixth — John the Second — Charles the Fifth — 
Charles the Seventh — The Maid of Orleans. 

1. In 1328, Philip the Sixth, the grandson of Philip 
the Third succeeded to the throne. His succession 
however, was disputed by Edward the Third of England, 
who claimed the crown of France in right of his mother, 
the daughter of Philip the Third. But according to the 
laws of France, females are excluded from the throne ; 
hence Philip contended, that a mother could not trans- 
mit to her children, a right which she never possessed. 

2. In the meantime Edward invaded France at the 
head of a powerful army, and gained the famous battle 
of Cressy, in which his eldest son, the Black Prince, so 
called from the color of his armor, displayed those mili- 
tary abilities, which afterwards rendered him so illustri- 
ous. It was also at the battle of Cressy, that the English 

Questions. — 11. What was convened? What is said of the exami- 
nation? 1. In 1323, what took place? By whom was the succession 
(li:5put(;d ? What is said of the laws of France ? 2. What did Edward 
do and gain ? Wiiat did the English use for the first time in this battle? 



102 FRANCE. 

first made use of artillery ; they had four or five pieces 
of cannon, which greatly contributed towards obtaining 
the victory. 

3. Edward, pursuing his good fortune, took the city 
of Calais, after an obstinate siege of twelve months. 
Enraged with the resistance he met with, he resolved 
that the inhabitants should atone for the courage and 
resolution, with which they defended the city, by the 
sacrifice of the lives of six of their most illustrious 
companions. He therefore added to the terms of sur- 
render, that six of the chief citizens should come forth, 
with ropes about their necks, to present to him the keys 
of the city and castle. 

4. The news of this decree spread consternation 
among the inhabitants ; but the fearful gloom was dis- 
pelled by the noble patriotism of Eustace Saint Pierre, 
and his five companions, who offered themselves as 
victims to appease the anger of the British monarch. 
The six patriots, attended by the governor, and many of 
the most distinguished citizens of Calais, approached the 
English camp and delivered the keys to Edward. 

5. His Barons, moved at the sight, entreated the 
monarch to spare the lives of the citizens ; but the King 
appeared inflexible, and ordered their immediate exe- 
cution. At this moment Queen Phiiippa, who had just 
arrived from England, entered his apartment, and threw 
herself at the feet of her royal husband, and by her tears 
and supplications prevailed upon him to revoke his sen- 
tence, and to spare the lives of the unfortunate victims. 
The city of Calais, remained from this time in pos- 
session of the British for more than two hundred years. 

6. Philip died in 1350, leaving the throne to his son 

Questions. — 3 What is said of Edward ? What did he resolve ? 
What did he add &c. ? 4. What is said of the news of this decree? 
What did the six companions do? 5. What is said of the Barons? 
The Kin.g- ? Of Queen Phiiippa ? How long- did Calais remain in the 
hands of ttie British ? 6. W^hcn did Pliilip dis ? 



»-v 



FRANCE. 103 

John the Second, surnamed the Good. During the reign 
of this king, France was again invaded by Edward the 
Third of England. Edward, the Black Prince, son of 
the English monarch, commanded the British army, 
and gained over the French, the memorable battle of 
Poictiers, at which John, the French King, was taken 
prisoner, and afterAvards led captive to London. 

7. After remaining in captivity for some time, John 
obtained his release on condition, that he should pay the 
sum of one million five hundred thousand pound ster- 
ling as the price of his ransom. But on his return to 
France, finding himself unable to comply with his en- 
gagement, he returned to England, saying, that: "If 
honor were banished from every other place, it should 
find an asylum in the breasts of Kings." He w^as re- 
ceived with every mark of respect by Edward, and 
died in captivity. A. D. 1364. 

8. On the death of John, Charles the Fifth, surnamed 
the Wise, succeeded to the throne. He labored to re- 
trieve the losses, and to remove the evils that had befallen 
the kingdom, during the preceding reign. In this he was 
successful ; and in the sjiace of five 3'ears the English 
were deprived of all their possessions in France, except 
Calais and a few other places. Besides being an able 
statesman, Charles w^as a distinguished patron of litera- 
ture ; his library contained nine hundred volumes, which 
was a considerable number for the period, when the arl 
of printing was yet undiscovered. 

9. Charles, the Sixth, ascended the throne in 1380. 
The reign of this prince was very unfortunate. He fell 
into a state of insanity, which rendered him incapable 
of attending to the affairs of government. Regents were 

Questions. — 6. During- his reig-n, what is said of France? What 
is said of Edward the Black Prince ? Of John ? 7. What did John 
obtain? What is related, on his return to France? AVhat did he say? 
8. Who succeeded John? What is said of him ? Of what was he the 
patron ? What is said of his library ? 9. Who succeeded to the 
tlirone ? Wliat is said of his reign ? Into what did he fall ? 



104 FRANCE. 

appointed, whose misconduct threw the kingdom into " 
civil war. Taking advantage of these calamities, Henry 
the Fifth, king of England, invaded France, and gained 
the memorable battle of Agincourt. 

10. After this victory a treaty was concluded, by 
which the succession of Henry to the throne of France 
was acknowledged, on the death of Charles. Henry and 
Charles both died shortly after this event. A. D. 1422. 

11. Charles the Seventh, surnamed the Victorious, 
asserted his right to the throne of his father, whilst the 
infant Henry the Sixth, was proclaimed King of France, 
under the regency of his uncle, the Duke of Bedford. 
War ensued between the two nations, and the English 
invaded the country, and laid siege to the city of Orleans. 
When the place was reduced to the last extremity and 
on the point of yielding, it was delivered through the 
courage of the renowned heroine, Joan of Arc. 

12. Joan was a young girl, about seventeen years of 
age, who had lived an humble life in a village on the 
borders of Lorraine. When the hope of saving Orleans 
was almost abandoned, she presented herself to the gov- 
ernor, and told him, with all the appearance of youthful 
sincerity, that she had been divinely commissioned to 
raise the siege of that cit}^, and to procure the corona- 
tion of Charles in the city of E-heims. 

13. After undergoing a rigid examination before a com- 
mittee, appointed for that purpose, and also before the 
court and the king himself, it was generally admitted 
that her mission was supernatural. She accordingly 
received the armor of a knight, and was intrusted with ' 
the liberation of Orleans. As she approached the city, 
her presence inspired the inhabitants with confidence, 

Questions.— 9. What did Henry the fifth do? 10. After this battle, 
what took phice? What is said of Henry and Charles ? 11. What did 
Charles the seventh do.^ What did the Eng-lish do.^ What is said of 
the place? 12. What is said of Joan ? To whom did she present 
herself? What did she tell him? 13. Yvhat was admitted? What 
was intrusted to her ? As she approached, what i.-^ said of her ? 



FRANCE. 105 

while it spread dismay among the English, who hastily 
abandoned the siege, and retired with precipitation. 
They were however, pursued by Joan at the head of 
the French army, and entirely defeated at Patay, with 
a loss of five thousand men, while the French lost only 
one of their number. From this event, Joan was called 
the Maid of Orleans. 

14. The second part of her mission, which remained 
yet to be accomplished, was equally arduous and dan- 
gerous. The city of Rheims, and all the intermediate 
provinces, were in the possession of the English and 
their allies; to gain admission into that city, under these 
circumstances, seemed almost impossible. Charles how- 
ever, placing himself under her guidance, commenced 
his march, and as he advanced every obstacle disap- 
peared, or were easily overcome ; the citizens of Rheims 
expelled the garrison, and received him wdth every de- 
monstration of joy. 

15. During the coronation, Joan in her warlike dress, 
and with her banner unfurled, stood near the altar; and 
as soon as the ceremony was finished, she threw her- 
self upon her knees, at the feet of Charles, declared 
that her mission was accomplished, and with tears in her 
eyes, begged to be allowed to return to her former hum- 
ble station; but the king was unwilling to part with her 
services so soon, and entreated her to remain for some 
time with the army, with this request, she at length 
consented. 

16. Her courage always remained the same, but her 
good fortune after this event, seemed to have forsaken 
her. In attempting to raise the siege of the city of 
Campiegne, she fell into the hands of the English, who, 

Questions. — 13. By whom were they pursued ."* From this event 
what was she called.^ 14. What is said of the second part kc? Of 
the city of Rheims .^ Of Charles .=• Of the citizens of Rheims. 15 
During the coronation what is said of Joan ? What did she declare.^ 
What did the King entreat ? 16. What is said of her courage .' Wliat 
happened to her ? 



106 FRANCE. 

to gratify their rage for the many losses they sustained 
through her valor, condemned her under a charge of 
many pretended crimes, and caused her to be burned to 
death in the public square at Rouen. Such was the un- 
happy fate of the Maid of Orleans. 



CHAPTER IV. 



From the accession of Louis XII., to the reign of Henry 
III., A. D., 1498 to 1589. 

1. Louis the Twelfth, was a wise and popular sov- 
ereign, and gained the title of Father of his people. 
Being one day urged to punish those, who had been his 
enemies during the preceding reign, he replied: "It is 
unworthy of the King of France, to revenge the injuries 
done to the Duke of Orleans." He reduced Milan and 
Genoa, and for some time, prosecuted his claim to Naples 
with success. 

2. At his death he was succeeded by his cousin, who 
assumed the name of Francis the First. When Francis 
ascended the throne he was in the flower of his age, 
of a romantic disposition, and fond of military glory. 
On the death of Maximilian, emperor of Germany, 
Francis and Charles the Fifth of Spain, became rival 
candidates for the imperial throne. Charles was the 
successful candidate; and Francis, deeming himself in- 
jured, declared war against his rival. 

3. Francis unfortunately quarreled with De Bourbon, 

Questions. — 16. What did they do with her.? 1. What is said of 
Louis the twelfth? When urg-ed to punish &c., what did he reply? 
What did he reduce ? 2. By whom was he succeeded? On the death 
of Maximilian, what took place? What did Francis do? 3. With 
whom did he quarrel ? 



FRANCE. 107 

one of the ablest of his generals; the latter basely 
abandoned his country and his sovereign, and offered 
his services to the emperor Charles. Bourbon command- 
ed the Spaniards at the battle of Biagrassa, in which 
the French were defeated, with the loss of their cele- 
brated general, the illustrious Bayard, surnamed the 
Knight without fear, and without reproach. Bourbon is 
said to have wept like a child over the dying hero : 
''Weep not for me," exclaimed the magnanimous Bay- 
ard, " but for yourself. I die in the service of my country, 
you triumph in the ruin of yours." 

4. Francis now took upon himself the command of 
the army, marched to Italy and laid siege to Pavia, but 
was there taken prisoner by imperialists under the com- 
mand of the traitor Bourbon. After a captivity of 
thirteen months, he regained his liberty, and having 
crossed the boundary of his own dominions, he mounted 
his horse, and waving his hat, he exclaimed: " I am yet 
a King." 

5. The conditions on which he obtained his release, 
were so unreasonable, that Francis refused to comply 
with them, and this refusal brought on another sanguinary 
contest between the two rivals. After the war had raged 
for some time, Avith but little advantage on either side, a 
truce was concluded, and Charles and Francis were 
brought to a personal interview, at a village on the bor- 
ders of France, where the warmest expression of friend- 
ship passed between them. 

6. Francis died in 1547, and was succeeded by his son, 
Henry the Second. The reign of this monarch was 
signalized by his wars with Charles the Fifth and his 
son Philip, the Second of Spain, and by the recovery of 

Questions. — 3. Whom did Bourbon command ? What is said of 
Bourbon? What did Bayard exclaim? 4. What did Francis do? 
How long did he remain in captivity ? Having- crossed &c., what did 
he exclaim? 5. What is said of the conditions? What followed? 
What is related of Charles and Francis ? 6. By whom was Francis 
succeeded ? What is said of his reifirn ? 



108 PRANCE. 

Calais, which was taken by the celebrated Duke of 
Guise, after it had remained in the possession of the 
English for two hundred and ten years. His death was 
occasioned by an accident, that happened to htm at a 
tournament. 

7. He was succeeded by his son Francis the Second, 
who died after a short reign of one year, and left the 
throne to his brother Charles the Ninth, then a boy in 
the tenth year of his age. The reign of this prince was 
considerably distracted by the civil wars, that were 
carried on, on account of religion. During these con- 
tests, the Protestants lost their most distinguished leader, 
the prince of Conde, who fell in battle. On the other 
hand, Charles had to lament the loss of the firmest 
support of his throne, the Duke of Guise, who was 
cut off by assassination. At length peace was restored, 
and the Protestants obtained free toleration in religion. 

8. The most memorable transaction in the reign of 
Charles, was the massacre, which took place on Saint 
Bartholomew's day. So various and contradictory are 
the accounts given of this event, that it is a very difficult 
task at the present time, to arrive at the true state of the 
facts. On the occasion of the marriage of the sister of 
Charles, Coligni, and other Protestant leaders were in- 
vited to court. It happened shortly after their arrival at 
Paris, that Coligni was severely wounded, as he passed 
through the streets. 

9. His wounds were not dangerous ; but his followers 
crowded to his residence, and their threats of vengeance 
so terrified the ministers and the mother of Charles, that 
in a secret council, the king was prevailed upon to give 
his assent to the destruction of the leaders of the Protes- 
tant party. It does not appear from the close connection 

Questions. — 6. How was his death occasioned ? 7. By whom was 
he succeeded ? What is said of the reig-n of this prince ? Whom did 
the Protestants lose ? What had Charles to lament ? 8. What is the 
most memorable transaction of this reig^n ? Who were invited to 
court ? What happened ? 9. What is said of his followers ? 



TRANCE. 109 

of events which preceded the massacre, that it was a 
studied, or pre-concerted plan, and that the Protestant 
leaders were invited to the capital, under a show of 
friendship, that they might the more easily be de- 
stroyed. It was rather dictated by fear and the dread 
of vengeance. 

10. The massacre took place during the night of the 
23rd of August, and a part of the following day. The 
residence of Coligni was forced, and he was assassina- 
ted with several of his friends; the people joined in the 
work of death, and every Protestant that fell in their 
way was sacrificed to their fury. Although the massa- 
cre was only intended for the capital, yet the tragedy of 
Paris, was imitated in several other cities. 

11. With regard to the number of the victims, it is 
impossible to speak with certainty. Some writers, ex- 
aggerate the number to sixty thousand, some to thirty, 
and others to twenty, or fifteen thousand. The reformed 
martyrologist adopted a means of ascertaining the real 
number, which may enable us to form a probable con- 
jecture. He procured from the ministers in the diiferent 
towns, where the massacre took place, lists of the num- 
ber of persons who suffered ; he published the list in 
1582, and in all France, he could discover the names of 
no more than seven hundred and eighty-six persons. 

12. No sooner was the awful deed committed, than 
shame and remorse filled the breasts of those, who had 
been the authors of it. Charles, in order to paliate his 
conduct, wrote to all the courts of Europe, stating that 
having detected the Protestants in a horrid plot against 
his life and his authority, he had cut off the leaders of 
the party, and thus escaped the imminent danger to 
which he was exposed. 

Questions. — 9. What does not appear &c. ? 10. When did the mas- 
sacre take place? What is said ol the people.' 11. What is said of 
the number ? Of some writers ? How many, according- to the reformed 
martyrolog-ist .'' 12. What did Charles do .•' 



110 PRANCE. 

13. Many of the surrounding princes, deceived by 
this statement, and being unacquainted with the true na- 
ture of the facts, congratulated him on his good fortune. 
Among others, Pope Gregory the Thirteenth, on receiv- 
ing the account as given by Charles, offered up public 
thanks, not indeed that he rejoiced in the death of the 
supposed traitors, but for the preservation, as he thought 
of the French monarch and his kingdom from ruin. 
Charles was succeeded by his brother Henry the Third ; 
a weak and fickle prince. He was assassinated after a 
short reign by James Clement, a Dominican Friar. A. 
D. 1588. 



CHAPTER V. 

From Henry IV., to the Death of Louis XV. — From A. 
D. 1589 to 1774. 

1. After the death of the late king, Henry the Fourth 
ascended the throne of France. A powerful faction was 
formed against him, but he completely defeated his 
opponents in the famous battle of Ivry. Henry had 
been educated in the Protestant religion, while the 
Catholic religion was professed by the great majority of 
his subjects. 

2. The king began seriously to turn his mind to the 
subject of religion, and asked several Protestant divines, 
if he could be saved by professing the Catholic doctrine, 

Questions.— 13. What is said of many princes .=' Of Pope Greo-ory ? 
By whom was Charles succeeded .? What was his fate.? 1, Who next 
ascended the throne .=" What was formed ag-ainst him ? In what had 
Henry been educated .? 2. To what did he turn his mind .? What did 
he ask ? 



FRANCE. Ill 

and being answered in the affirmative, he concluded to 
embrace that religion. Accordingly, in 1593, he abjured 
the Protestant religion, and declared himself a Catholic. 

3. Henry, having gained quiet possession of the throne, 
was governed by principles of the wisest policy. By 
the celebrated Edict of Nantes, he granted free toleration 
in religion, to all the Protestants within his dominions. 
Having by his great abilities elevated France to a high 
state of prosperity and happiness, he was destined to 
fall a victim to the fanaticism of a monk, named Ra- 
vaillac. As the king rode through the streets of Paris, 
his carriage was stopped by some obstruction in the way ; 
Ravaillac, seizing this favorable opportunity, mounted 
upon the wheel of the carriage, and plunged a dagger 
into Henry's breast, before any one could oppose him. 
A. D. 1610. 

4. Henry was succeeded by his son, Louis the Thir- 
teenth, at the age of nine years. On coming of age, 
Louis chose for his prime minister, the celebrated Car- 
dinal Richelieu. The abilities of Richelieu, were con- 
spicuous in all his undertakings. While he extended 
the glory of France, he became the zealous patron of 
literature, and instituted the French Academy. Louis 
died in the 34th year of his reign. A. D. 1642. 

5. Louis the Fourteenth, surnamed the Le Grand, ov 
the Great, succeeded to the throne at the early age of 
five years. The reign of this monarch was the most 
splendid recorded in history. The love of glor}^ was his 
ruling passion. This he pursued, not only by his mili- 
tary achievements, and splendid career of victory, which 
attended the early part of his reign, but also by the 
patronage, which he extended to literature and science. 

Questions. — 2. In 1593, what did he do? 3. What did he o-rant by 
the edict of Nantes ? Relate the manner of his death ? 4. By whom was 
Henry succeeded? Who was prime minister? What is saiil of his 
abilities? When did Louis die? 6. Who succeeded to the throne? 
What is said of his reign ? What was his rulina: passion ? 



112 FRANCfi. 

6. He also promoted the arts of peace by giving en- 
couragement to manufactures and commerce. He em- 
bellished the capital, built the palaces of Versailles and 
that of Louvre, and other useful works. The reign of 
Louis the Fourteenth, has been justly styled the Augus- 
tan Age of French Literature, and is distinguished for 
the number of eminent men, who flourished during that 
period. Louis died in the 78th year of his age, and in 
the 73rd of his reign. A. D. 1715. 

7. Louis the Fifteenth, the grandson of the late mon- 
arch, succeeded to the throne at the age of five years, 
under the regency of the Duke of Orleans. Louis en- 
gaged in the war of the Austrian Succession, in which he 
supported the claims of Charles, the son of the elector of 
Bavaria, to the throne of Austria in opposition to Maria 
Theresa, who was supported by Great Britain. 

8. In 1755, war broke out between France and Great 
Britain, respecting their American possessions. This 
war was terminated hy the peace of Paris, in 1763, by 
which the most important possessions of France in North 
America, were ceded to Great Britain. Louis died in 
1774, in the 65th year of his age, and the 59th of his 
reign. The reign of this monarch and that of his pre- 
decessor, occupied a period of one hundred and thirty- 
two years. 

Questions. — 6. What did he promote ? What has his reign been 
styled, and why? When did he die? 7. Who succeeded? In what 
did Louis cng-ag-e? 8. In 1755, what took place? How was this war 
terminated ? When did Louis die ? What is said of his reig-n, &c. ? 



CHAPTER VI. 

Louis the Sixteenth — The Revolution — Bonaparte. 

1. Louis the Sixteenth, the grandson of the late 
monarch, succeeded to the throne, in 1774. This vir- 
tuous and benevolent prince, commenced his reign under 
difficulties of no ordinary nature. The nation was deeply 
in debt, and the people groaned under a heavy weight 
of taxes. 

2. In the early part of his reign, he acknowledged the 
independence of the United States, openly received 
Franklin and Dean, as her ambassadors, and generously 
resolved to aid the Americans in securing the liberty of 
their country. This noble action on the part of Louis 
the Sixteenth, should endear his memory to every 
American. 

3. Various reasons mig-htbe assio-ned for the orig-in of 
the French Revolution. The public debt had been in- 
creased, by the benevolent efforts of Louis in aiding the 
people of the United States ; a spirit of republican prin- 
ciples, was spread throughout France, on the return of 
the French officers and soldiers, after the successful 
termination of the American Revolution ; a general 
corruption of morals, and contempt for religion were 
prevalent among those at the head of the government ; 
while the principles of atheism and infidelity, were 
widely diffused by the writings of Voltaire, Rousseau 
and others. These may be considered as the principal 
causes that brought about the fearful storm, which 
spread desolation over France, and convulsed the con- 
tinent of Europe. 

Questions. — 1 . Who succeeded to the throne ? What is said of him ? 
Of the nation? 2. In the early part of his reig-n, what did he do? 
What is said of this noble action ? 3. What are some of the causes 
assigned for the French Revolution ? 

. 8 



114 FRANCE. 

4. In order to restore the deranged condition of tlie 
finance, an assembly, called the Notables, was convoked ; 
and shortly afterwards, a demand was made for the con- 
vocation of a body called the States General, which was 
composed of three orders, the nobility, clergy, and com- 
mons. This body met at Versailles, but it was not long 
before the members disagreed among themselves; the 
commons seized upon the legislative authorities, and 
declared themselves the representatives of the people, 
and styled themselves, the National Assembly. Of this 
assembly, Bailly was president, while the Duke of Or- 
leans and Mirabeau, were the two most prominent 
members. 

5. In the meantime, a violent insurrection broke out 
in Paris. The Hotel des Invalides, was taken by sur- 
prise, and thirty thousand muskets were seized ; the 
prison of Bastile was demolished, the governor was 
assassinated, and his head carried through the streets 
amidst the shouts of the infuriated mob. At the news 
of these proceedings, Louis hastened to the capital, in 
the hope of being able to allay the tumult. In this 
he was successful ; he addressed the people with the 
warmest expressions of affection ; the whole multitude 
shouted: "Vive le Roi," and the king again returned 
to Versailles. 

6. But scarcely had he departed, when the insurrec- 
tion was renewed with increased violence. The mob 
directed their vengeance against all, whom they consid- 
ered as their oppressors, and the whole city of Paris 
presented a scene of blood. They finally went in a 
body to Versailles, and demanded that the king should 
return to Paris. In compliance with their request, 

Questions. — 4. In order &c., what assembly was convoked? What 
demand was made? When did this body meet? What did the com- 
mons do? Of this assembly, who was president? 5. What broke out? 
What places were taken, and what was done ? What did Louis do ? 
f>. What was renewed ? What did the mob do ? Where did they g-o ? 



FRANCE. 115 

Louis, accompanied by the royal family, set out to the 
capital; he was protected, however, from violence, by 
Marquis de Lafayette, who commanded a body of troops 
styled the National Guards. 

7. The Revolution now began to make rapid advances ; 
the States General was styled the National Assembly; 
the privileges of the nobility and clergy were abolished ; 
the church lands were confiscated ; the monasteries 
suppressed, and royal authority nearly destroyed. The 
National Assembly drew up a new constitution, and was 
afterwards called the Constituent Assembly. 

8. In the meantime, the king and the royal family left 
the palace of Tuilleries, and endeavored to escape from 
France ; but they were overtaken near the frontiers, and 
brought back to Paris. The Constituent Assembly sepa- 
rated, on the 30th of September, 1791, and another 
body was convened in October, styled the Legislative 
Assembly. 

9. Previous to this period, several political associations 
were formed, of which the Jacobin Club, was the most 
predominant. The members of this factious association, 
being men of the most abandoned principles, governed 
the proceedings of the assembly, and long continued to 
be a source of innumerable evils to the country. 
Another association, styled the Club of Cordeliers, sur- 
passed even the Jacobins, in their open contempt of 
religion, government and law. Of this faction, Marat, 
Danton, and Herbert, were the leading members. 

10. On the 21st of September, 1792, a new body was 
convened styled the National Convention. At its first 
meeting, the regal government was abolished, and France 

Questions. — 6. Where did Louis return ? By whom was he protect- 
ed ? 7. What is said of the revolution? The privileg-es of the no- 
bility ? The church lands ? The monasteries ? 8. What did the king' 
do? What did the constituent assembly do? 9. What were formed ? 
What is said of the members ? What is said of the club of Cordeliers ? 
Who were its leading- members? 10. In 1792, what was done ? At its 
first setting? 



116 FRANCE* 

declared a republic. The next step was to consummate 
the drama; the king him.self was arraigned before the 
convention, to answer to various charges. In vain did 
Louis refute the absurb charges of which he was accused ; 
his enemies thirsted for his blood, and the sentence of 
death was pronounced upon him. 

11. On the 21st of January, 1793, Louis the Sixteenth, 
after taking an affectionate leave of his queen, his chil- 
dren, and his sister, the princess Elizabeth, was led to 
execution. On reaching the scaffold, he viewed the 
spectators with calmness, and addressed them saying: 
"1 die innocent; I pardon all my enemies, and I pray 
that France may not suffer for the blood she is about to 
shed." At this moment his voice was drowned by the 
noise of the drums ; he then calmly placed his head 
under the guillotine, and as the fatal axe decended, the 
courageous priest, who attended him, exclaimed: "Son 
of Saint Louis, ascend to heaven." 

12. After the death of the king, his amiable and vir- 
tuous consort, Queen Marie Antoinette, was led to the 
scaffold, and executed amidst the furious cries of Viva la 
Repuhlique. A few months after this, the princess, 
Elizabeth, shared the fate of the queen, and about a 
year later, the young dauphin an interesting child, died in 
prison of a disease, contracted from confinement, and 
the cruel treatment received. Of all the members of 
the royal family, the daughter of Louis, was the only one 
that escaped the fearful storm, that desolated France. 

13. After these awful proceedings, the National Con- 
vention became divided into two factions ; the one called 
the Mountain Party, headed by Robespierre, Danton, and 

Questions. — 10 What was the next step ? What sentence was pro- 
nounced upon him? 11. In January, 1793, what took place? On 
reaching- the scaffold, what is said of him ? What did he say ? What 
was done? What did the priest exclaim? 12. Who was next led to 
execution? Who shared the fate of the Queen? Who escaped ? 13. 
After these thing-s, what followed ? What were the names of the two 
parties ? 



FRANCE. 117 

Marat ; the other styled the Girondists, of which Brissot, 
and Condorcet were the leaders. The Mountain Party 
prevailed, and Brissot with all the leaders of the Giron- 
dists, w^as put to death. Among the rest, was that 
monster of vice and cruelty, the Duke of Orleans, Avho 

mffered by the hands of those very men, whom lie had 

aised into power. 

14. The dominion of Robespierre is styled: "The 
reign of terror." The awful cruelties and excesses of 
this man, almost exceed belief. Hundreds and thou- 
sands were sacrificed to his vengeance and that of his 
associates ; many were seized and hurried off to the 
guillotine, without trial, or without even being informed 
of charges for which they suffered. Happy for mankind, 
his bloody career was destined to be of short continuance. 
His own friends became frightened at his cruelty, and 
formed a party against him ; being condemned on a 
charge of tyranny and cruelty, he atoned for his crimes 
upon the scaftbld. After this a new convention was 
formed, and the executive power place in five directors. 

15. Previous to the death of Hobespierre, the conven- 
tion had carried its proceedings to the most extravagant 
excess. On motion of Gobet, Archbishop of Paris, the 
Christian religion was suppressed, and a decree passed, 
declaring that the only deities to be worshipped hereafter 
in France, should be Liheriy, Equity, and Reason; a- 
republican calendar was formed; the Sunday was abol- 
ished; and in its place, every tenth day was appointed, 
as a day of rest. The churches were despoiled of their 
ornaments and treasures, and the bells cast into cannon. 

16. The sovereigns of Europe alarmed at the fearful 
progress of the French Revolution, entered into a coali- 

QuESTiONS. — 13. Which prevailed? Who was among- the rest? 
14. What was the dominion of Robespierre styled? Whnt is said of 
hundreds? What was happy for mankind? What was his fate? 
What followed? 15. On jnotion of G(>bct, what took place? What 
passed? What was abolished &c. ? What is said of the churches? 
16. What is said of the sovcreig'ns of Europe ? 



118 FRANCE. 

tion against France ; but the combined forces of Great 
Britain, Russia, Holland and Spain, under the command 
of the Duke of Brunswick, were completely overthrown. 
The French, elated by this success, carried their arms 
into the dominions of their enemies, and subdued the 
Netherlands, Holland, Switzerland, and a part of Ger- 
many. 

17. In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte, then a young man 
in the twenty-seventh year of his age, was intrusted 
with the command of the French army. This extraor- 
dinary man was a native of the Island of Corsica, and 
was born in the year 1769. At an early age he gave 
indications of great military talents ; and while at school, 
when the season would permit it, his favorite amusement 
was that of making fortifications of snow, and holding 
battles with snow-balls. 

18. Being now placed at the head of the French 
forces, Bonaparte soon astonished all Europe by the 
brilliancy of his victories. He conquered Italy, inva- 
ded Egypt, defeated the Egyptains in the famous battle 
of the Pyramids, and took possession of Cairo, and all the 
Delta. After this he returned to France, abolished the 
Directory, and caused himself to be elected first consul. 
He then placed himself at the head of the French army, 
crossed the Alps, and defeated the Austrians in the cele- 
brated battle of Marango. By the treaty of Amiens, 
in 1802, Europe, for the first time since the commence- 
ment of the Revolution, enjoyed the blessing of peace. 

19. During the cessation of hostilities, Bonaparte spent 
the time in performing various acts of public utility. In 
compliance with a previous contract with Pope Pius VII, 
he re-established the Christian religion w^hich had been 

Questions, — 16. The combined forces &c, ? What did the French 
do? 17. In 1796, what took place ? What is said of this man? At an 
early ag'C ? While at school ? 18. Being- now placed &c., what is said 
of Bonaparte ? What did he conquer, &c. ? After this what did he do ? 
Where did he defeat the Austrians? By the treaty of Amiens, what 
took place ? 19, What did he re-establish. 



PRANCE. 119 

suppressed by the order of the convention. He pub- 
lished a new code of la^vs, oifered great encouragement to 
commerce, and embellished Paris by erecting several 
splendid buildings and monuments. About this time, he 
caused himself to be created consul for life, and in 1804, 
he assumed the imperial dignity, and was crowned em- 
peror of France. 

20. The peace of Amiens was of short duration. In 
1805, another coalition, between England, Austria, Rus- 
sia, Sweden, and Prussia, was entered into against France. 
The emperor immediately took the field against the 
combined forces of the allied powers, and captured the 
Austrian army of thirty-three thousand men, at Ulm ; 
and in the memorable battle of Austerlitz, defeated the 
united forces of Austria and Russia. 

21. Elated by his astonishing success, the emperor set 
no bounds to his ambition. He deposed the king of 
Naples, and placed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte upon 
the Neapolitan throne. He then compelled the Dutch, 
to receive his brother Louis as king of Holland, and 
obliged Francis the Second to resign his title of Emperor 
of Germany, and take that of Emperor of Austria; and 
raised the electors of Bavaria, Wurtemburg and Saxony, 
to the rank of kings. 

22. In 1812, he invaded Russia at the head of four 
hundred thousand infantry and sixty thousand cavalry, 
and with one thousand two hundred pieces of artillery. 
His progress was interrupted by the Russians, whom he 
defeated at Smolensk, and again at the desperate battle 
of Borodino, a few miles from Moscow, at which nearly 
thirty thousand fell on each side. When he arrived 
at Moscow, the capital of Russia, he found the city 

Questions. — 19. What did he publish &c. ? About this time, what 
did he do? And in 1804? 20. In 1805, what took place? AVhat is 
said of the emperor ? Whom did he capture ? Whom did he defeat ? 
21. Whom did he depose &c. ? What did he compel the Dutch to do? 
Francis ■2nd ? Whom did he raise to king's ? 22. In 1812, what did he 
^ do ? Where did he defeat the Russians ? How did he find Moscow? 



120 ~ FRANCE. 

enveloped in flames, and abandoned by its inhabitants. 
Bonaparte immediately commenced his retreat towards 
France. The suffering of the French army on its return, 
is almost incredible ; thirty thousand horses are said to 
have perished in a single day, and of his immense army, 
only thirty thousand returned to France. 

23. On his return, the emperor raised another army 
of three hundred thousand men, defeated the allied 
powers at Bautzen, repulsed them at Dresden, but was 
ultimately overthrown in the tremendous battle of 
Leipsic, with a loss of forty thousand men in killed, 
wounded and prisoners. After this battle, Bonaparte fled 
to Paris, and abdicated the throne of France ; and after 
some deliberation, the island of Elba was selected as the 
place of his future residence. Things being thus ar- 
ranged, Louis the Eighteenth, was restored to the throne 
of his ancestors. 

24. In a few months after this event, to the astonish- 
ment of Europe, Bonaparte returned from exile , he 
marched through France, and was again proclaimed 
emperor, amidst the loudest acclamations of the people. 
As soon as this event was made known, a formidable co- 
alition was formed against him, by nearly all the powers 
of Europe. The Emperor once more placed himself at 
the head of his army, but was entirely defeated, by the 
allies under Wellington and Blucher, in the memorable 
battle of Waterloo, with a loss of upwards of forty 
thousand killed and wounded. This battle took place on 
the 18th of June, 1815. 

25. After this battle, Bonaparte fled to Paris, and 
again resigned the crown ; he then surrendered himself 
to Captain Maitland, the commander of a British sloop 

Questions. — 22. What did he immediately do .'' How many horses 
died .'' How many men returned .'' 23. On his return, what did he do .-* 
Where was he overtlirown .'' After this, what did he do.-" Where was 
he sent.'' What followed.' 24. In a few months, what took place.'' 
What was formed ag-ainst him ? Where and by whom was he de- 
feated ? With what loss ? 25. What did Bonaparte do.? 



FRANCE. 121 

of war, and asked an asylum in England. But it was 
ao-reed among: the allied sovereio^ns that he should be 
sent a prisoner to the Island of Saint Helena, where he 
died on the 5th of May, 1821, in the sixth year of his 
captivity. 

26. Louis was again restored to the throne of France, 
and was succeeded in 1824 by his brother under the title 
of Charles the Tenth. A revolution took place in 1830, 
which ended in the expulsion of Charles, and the elec- 
tion of the Duke of Orleans to the throne, who took the 
name of Louis Philip. During the spring of 1847, another 
revolution took place when Louis Philip, in his turn, was 
expelled, and France declared a Republic. A new con- 
stitution was formed, and Louis Bonaparte, the nephew 
of Napoleon, was elected the first president, and at pres- 
ent presides over the French republic. 

Questions. — 25. What was agreed .-* Where did he die ? 26. By 
whom was Louis succeeded ? What took place in 1830 ? And 1847 ? 
Who was elected the first president .'' 



ENGLAND. 



CHAPTER I. 

England from the Conquest by the Romans, A. C. 55 to 

A.D. 827. 




The Ancient Britons, 

1. Our young readers are now called to take a look at 
the history of England, at present one of the most pow- 
erful, and most important nations of Europe. Before 

Question. — 1. To what are the readers called? 



ENGLAND. 123 

proceeding to the history, it may be found very useful 
to take a short glance at the geography of the country. 
England is the southern part of the island of Great Bri- 
tain, and is about four hundred miles in length, and in 
some places three hundred miles in breadth. 

2. The soil is not naturally fertile, but the art and in- 
dustry of the inhabitants, have rendered it very produc- 
tive, hence agriculture is carried to a high degree of 
perfection. The climate is moist, and the extremes of 
heat and cold, are less than in other countries in the 
same latitude. The traveller on visiting England is 
struck with the appearance of wealth, every Avhere 
spread over the country. On the right, he will behold 
an ancient castle, or mouldering abbey, displa3''ing the 
stately relics of former grandeur, and on the left, the 
lofty mansion of some nobleman, displaying all the mag- 
nificence of modern refinement and luxury. 

3. There are many large cities in England. London 
on the river Thames, is the capital of the British domin- 
ions. This city is the largest in the world; it is about 
seven miles in length and five in breadth, and contains 
a population of two millions of inhabitants. Among the 
public buildings, Saint Paul's Cathedral and Westmin- 
ster Abbe}^, are the most celebrated. 

4. The early inhabitants of this country are said to 
have been a tribe of Gauls, or Celtee, from the neighbor- 
ing continent. They had but little knowledge of agricul- 
ture ; they dwelt in huts in the forest, clothed themselves 
in the skins of wild beasts, and lived upon the milk and 
flesh of their herds. Their religion was that of Druidism, 
a degrading form of superstition ; their priests were 

Questions. — ]. What will we find useful? What is England? 2. 
What is said of the soil ? The climate ? With what will the travel- 
ler be struck? On the right, what will he behold? On the left? 3. 
What are in England? What is said of London? The population? 
The public buildings ? 4. What is said of the early inhabitants ? 
Where did they dwell ? On what did they live ? What is said of 
their relig-ion ? 



124 ENGLAND. 

called Druids, and possessed great control over the 
minds of the people. 

5. They taught the doctrine of the transmigration of 
souls, and offered human sacrifices to appease the wrath 
of their gods. They had moreover some knowledge of the 
art of war ; their soldiers were armed chiefly with the 
bow, the shield, and the lance. They had also, a kind 
of war-chariot, set with scythes, which caused dreadful 
destruction, when driven among their enemies. 

6. Such was the condition of the island, when it was 
first visited by the Romans. Julius Caesar, who had 
spread his conquest over Germany and Gaul, determined 
to invade Britain. With this view, he collected a 
numerous fleet and embarked with ten thousand men. 
On reaching the coast, he beheld it covered with the 
natives prepared to dispute his landing. For some time, 
the Roman soldiers remained in doubtful suspense; at 
length the standard-bearer of the tenth legion leaped 
into the sea, and advanced towards the shore. His ex- 
ample was immediately followed by his companions; 
they gained the shore, and obtained an easy victory over 
the undisciplined Britons. 

7. In the reign of the emperor Claudius, the Romans 
determined to effect a final subjugation of Britain, as the 
subjugation by Julius Csesar, was rather nominal than 
real. The illustrious Caractacus, for nine years, defend- 
ed his dominions against the power of Rome ; but at 
length he was taken prisoner by Ostorius, and led cap- 
tive to Rome. As he passed through the streets of the 
city, and beheld the splendor of the buildings, he ex- 
claimed : "Alas! how is it possible that a people, pos- 

QuESTiONs. — 5. What did they teach ? What had they ? What is 
said of their soldiers? Their war- chariots? 6. What is said of 
Julius Ccesar ? On reaching- the shore what did he find ? What did 
the standard-bearer do ? Wnat followed ? 7. In the reig-n of Emperor 
Claudius, what took place ? What is said of Caractacus ? What did 
he exclaim ? 



ENGLAND. 125 

sessed of such magnificence at home, should envy Ca- 
ractacus in his humble cottage in Britain." 

8. In passing ov^er the northern part of England, you 
may meet with the ruins of ancient walls. These walls 
were built by the Romans, in order to prevent the in- 
roads of a warlike race of barbarians from Caledonia, or 
Scotland. About the middle of the fifth century, the 
Romans withdrew from Britain, leaving the inhabitants 
to their own resources; then the nothern inhabitants., no 
longer intimidated by the Roman legions, broke down the 
walls, and spread destruction over the southern part of 
the Island. 

9. In their distress, the Britons applied for aid to the 
Saxons-, a warlike people, who inhabited the northern 
parts of German}^ The Saxons accepted the invitation, 
and sent over to England, an army under the command 
of Hingist and Horsa. The Scots and the other northern 
tribes, were soon compelled to retire to their own native 
mountains. But the Saxons, having expelled, the inva- 
ders, turned their arms upon the Britons, and being rein- 
forced by the Angles and Jutes, they took possession 
of the country and forced the inhabitants to subjection. 
From the Angles, the name England is derived. 

10. The Britons for a long time resisted the Saxons, 
but after a contest for nearly one hundred and fifty 
years, the Saxons prevailed, and established the Hep- 
tarchy, or seven Saxon kingdoms, which continued for 
about two hundred years. At length Ethelbert, king of 
Wessex, united them in one kingdom, under the name 
of England. 

11. Previous to this period, Christianity had been 
introduced into England. About the close of the sixth 

Questions. — 8. In the northern part of Eng-land, what may you 
find? By whom were they built? When the Romans withdrew, 
what followed ? 9. In their distress what did the Britons do ? What 
is said of the Saxons ? Having expelled the invaders, what did they 
do ? 10. What is said of the Britons ? At length, what did Ethelbert 
do? 11. What had been introduced? 



126 ENGLAND 

century, Pope Gregory the Great, sent Saint Austin from 
Rome, to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the in- 
habitants of Britain. Austin, accompanied by several 
monks, set out upon the holy mission, and having arrived 
in England, made known to Ethelbert, the object foi 
which he had come. 

12. The king was not entirely ignorant of Christianity, 
for Bertha, his queen, the daughter of the king of Paris, 
had previously embraced the Christian religion. He 
therefore received the missionaries kindly, and gave 
them an audience under a large oak, in the open air 
Saint Austin explained to him the doctrines of Chris- 
tianity, and the king shortly afterwards received baptism 
publicly, and such was the powerful influence of his ex- 
ample, that ten thousand of his subjects, are said to have 
been baptised in a single day. 



CHAPTER II. 



From the Foundation of the Monarchy, to the J^^orman 
Conquest, A. D. 827 to 1066. 

1. About this period the coast of Britain was visited 
by a ferocious people from Denmark, called the Danes, 
who rejDeatedly plundered and laid waste the country, 
destroying every thing with fire and sword. When 
Alfred, surnamed the Great, ascended the throne, he 
found himself surrounded by these inveterate enemies. 
He immediately took the field against them, and is said 

Questions. — 11. About the middle of the sixth century, what took 
place? 12. What is said of Ethelbert? How did he receive the mis- 
sionaries? What did St. Austin do? How iTiany were baptised in a 
day ? 1. By whom was the coast of Britain visited? How did Alfred 
find himself? What did he immediately do? 



ENGLAND. 127 

to have defeated them in eight different battles in one 
year, and at length compelled them to retire to their 
own dominions. 

2. It was, however, only for a short time. They re- 
turned w^ith reinforcements, ravaged the country, and 
even obliged Alfred to solicit a peace. In his distress 
the king was compelled to seek a shelter for his safety 
by retiring into obscurity. He accordingly laid aside all 
the ensigns of royalty, and disguising himself in the 
habit of a peasant, he passed several months in the cot- 
tage of a herdsman. While in this humble abode, the 
herdsman's wife, who did not know that he was the king, 
ordered him to take care of some cakes, that were toast- 
ing by the fire, while she was absent. 

3. Alfred, whose mind was otherwise employed, for- 
got the injunction he had received, and let the cakes 
burn ; the woman on her return, finding her cakes ruined, 
scolded the king severely, telling him that he was 
always ready to eat her cakes, though he was thus care- 
less in mindino; them. 

4. Alfred being desirous of learning the number of 
the Danish forces, and their mode of discipline, disguised 
himself as a wandering harper, and entered the camp of 
the Danes, and played for the amusement of the soldiers. 
He was even introduced into the tent of Guthrum, the 
Danish prince, entertained him with his music, and 
remained with him for several days. Having thus 
learned in person the unguarded condition of the Danes, 
he returned, and having assembled his followers, at- 
tacked the enemy by surprise, and routed them with 
great slaug-hter. 

t5 CD 

5. Alfred being now freed from these troublsome 

Questions. — 2. What did they do? What is said of tlie king-? 
Where did he pass several months ? While here, what was he ordered 
to do? 3. What is relntcd of Alfred? Wl)at did she tell him? 4. 
What is related of Alfred ? Where was he introduced ? On his re- 
turn, what did he do? 5. To what did Alfred turn bis attention ? 



128 ENGLAND. 

enemies, turned his whole attention towards repairing 
the evils which they had caused, and improving the 
moral condition of his subjects. He established schools 
for the instruction of his people, and invited into his 
kingdom, the most eminent men of Europe. He also 
founded the University of Oxford, composed a code of 
laws, and, according to many historians, he established 
the trial by jury. 

6. It is recorded of Alfred, that he put to death forty 
corrupt judges in one year; and so exact and impartially 
were laws executed, and so just were the people, that 
gold ornaments could be hung up in the public roads, and 
no one would touch them. He usually divided his time 
into three equal parts ; one of which, he employed in 
study and in religious devotions; a second, in the dis- 
charge of business ; and the third, in sleep and in recrea- 
ting his body by exercise and diet. These divisions he 
exactly measured by burning tapers of equal length. 

7. Alfred was one of the wisest and most illustrious 
princes, that ever occupied the English throne. His 
private life was adorned by every Christian virtue, at 
the same time, he was justly reputed as the greatest 
wamor, legislator and statesman of his age. He died 
in the year 901, and left the throne to his son Edward, 
surnamed the Elder. 

8. Edward was a warlike prince, and his reign was 
almost one continual contest with the Danes and North- 
umbrians. He was succeeded by his brother Athelstan, 
who carried on a successful war against the Danes, Scots, 
and other enemiies. Athelstan was succeeded in his 
turn by his brother Edmund. The reign of this prince 
was short and his death tragical. As he was celebrating 

Questions. — 5. What did he establish ? What did he found ? Corn- 
pose ? 6. What is recorded of Alfred? How did he divide his time? 
How did he measure these divisions? 7. What is said of Alfred ? 
His private life? When did he die? 8. What is said of Edward ? 
By whom was he succeeded ? 



ENGLAND. 129 

a festival in Gloucester, he was killed by Leolf, a notori- 
ous robber. 

9. Edred next succeeded to the throne. Amono; the 
chief advisers of the king, was Dunstan, the venerable 
abbot of Glastonbury. Edred deposited with him all his 
treasures, and the titles of his lands, and wished to make 
him bishop of Winchester, which preferment he declined. 
Edred being of weak constitution, died after a reign of 
ten years and left the throne to Edwin. 

10. Edwin, or Edwy, is generally represented as a 
prince of a weak and profligate character. He banished 
Dunstan, the abbot of Glastonbury from the kingdom, 
because he opposed his amorous affections for Elgiva, a 
lady of high rank. Edwin Avas succeeded by Edgar, 
whose reign is memorable for being the period in which 
England was freed from wolves ; by offering a great 
reward for each head, he produced such a diligent 
search for them, that the race shortly disappeared. He 
recalled the abbot of Glastonbury from banishment, and 
appointed him bishop of Worcester. 

11. Edgar was succeeded by Edward styled the Mar- 
tyr, because he was assassinated at the instigation of El- 
frida. his step-mother, who was induced to this crime, for 
the purpose of procuring the crown for her own son, Eth- 
elred the Second. During the reign of this prince, the 
Danes again invaded the country, under Sweyn, their 
king. Ethelred fled to Normandy, leaving his kingdom 
in the hands of the invaders; the people, being thus 
left without a king, quietly acknowledged the Danish 
sovereign. 

12. When Canute the son of Sweyn, ascended the 

Questions. — 8. What was the fate of Edmund ? 9. Who succeeded ? 
Who was the chief adviser of the kinff ? Wlien did Edred die? 10. 
How is Edwin represented ? Whom did he banish ? By whom was 
he succeeded ? For what is his rcig-n memorable ? Whom did he 
recai? 11. By whom was he succeeded? During- his reig-n what 
happened? What did Ethelred do? The people? 12. What did 
Canute assert ? 

9 



130 ENGLAND. 

throne of Denmark, he asserted the claim to the throne 
of England, and invaded the country at the head of a 
powerful army, and compelled the British monarch to 
divide his dominions with him. Shortly after this event, 
the English king was murdered, and Canute was ac- 
knowledged sole monarch of England. He was a prince 
of great ability, and the most powerful sovereign of 
his age. He died after a reign of eighteen years, much 
lamented by his subjects. 

13. Canute was succeeded by his son Harold, a weak 
and profligate prince ; he reigned only three years, and 
left the throne to Hardicanute, the last of the Danish 
monarchs. As the late king left no children, the Eng- 
lish availed themselves of this opportunity to shake of 
the Danish yoke, and to restore the Saxon line in the 
person of Edward, surnamed the Confessor. Edward 
was distinguished for the mildness of his disposition, 
and for the practice of every Christian virtue. 

14. At Edward's death, several competitors for the 
throne appeared. Of these, Harold the son of the Earl 
of Godwin, and William Duke of Normandy, were the 
most powerful. But Harold being present at the death 
of Edward, quietly stepped into the vacant throne; 
while William resolved to assert his claim to the crown 
of England, by an appeal to arms, and accordingly land- 
ed in the island with a powerful army. 

15. He was met by Harold, with an army equally 
numerous. The memorable battle of Hastings decided 
the fate of the English ; the nation submitted to the 
sceptre of William, who in consequence was called the 
Conqueror. 

Questions. — 12. After this event, what happened.'' What is said 
of him? When did he die? 13. By whom was Canute succeeded? 
What did the Eng:lishdo? How was Edward disting-uished ? 14. At 
his death what happened ? Of these, who were the most powerful ? 
What is said of Harold? Of William? 15. By whom was he met ? 
What is said of the battle of Hastinars? 



CHAPTER III. 

The King of the JVorma7i Family — From A. D. 1066 io 

1154. 

1. William, the Conqueror, was a sovereign possessed 
of great abilities as a statesman and a warrior, yet many 
of his acts were cruel and oppressive. He was remark- 
able in his person, being tall and well proportioned, and 
few persons could be found, who were able to bend his 
bow or wield his arms. 

2. He showed great partiality for his Norman followers, 
and raised them to all the posts of honor; and he en- 
deavored to abolish the English language, by causing the 
youth to learn the French tongue. No other language 
was used at court, and among the more fashionable 
society ; and it is owing to this fact, that at present, we 
find so many French words in the English language, 

3. The conduct of his children, gave him much un- 
happiness. Robert at length openly revolted against his 
father. William besieged him in a castle in Normandy, 
where many daring encounters took place. It happened, 
on one occasion, that Robert engaged the king himself, 
who was concealed by a helmet; a fierce combat ensued ; 
at length the young prince, wounded and dismounted his 
father. The king called out for assistance : Robert 
hearing his voice, recognized his parent, and struck with 
remorse, he alighted from his horse, threw himself at 
the feet of William, and implored his pardon. He then 
assisted him to mount, and saw him return to his camp. 

Questions. — 1. What is said of William ? For what was he re- 
markable ? 2. AVhat did hcshow ? What lang-nasre wasused at court? 
3. What is said of his children ? Of Robtirt ? WTiat happened on one 
occasion ? Describe the contest ? 



132 ENGLANli. 

4. William the Second, surnamed Rufus, from his red 
hair^ succeeded his father in the English throne. A. D. 
1087. His reign was marked by cruelty and perfidy, 
and his death was tragical. As he was one day hunting 
in the forest, he was accidentally killed by one of his 
attendants, who aimed an arrow at a stag. Robert, the 
brother of William, was the lawful hear to the crown ; 
but at the time of William's death he was absent on a 
crusade to the Holy Land. Henry his younger brother, 
taking advantage of his absence, seized upon the gov- 
ernment, and quietly ascended the vacant throne, under 
the title of Henry the First. 

5. Robert on his return made an effort to obtain the 
crown, but he was defeated and taken prisoner by his 
brother, who confined him in a castle in Wales during 
the remainder of his life, which lasted twenty-eight 
years. Alas ! how feeble are the nearest ties of kindred, 
when they come in opposition to the raging impulse of 
ambition. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Family of Plantagenet. 

1. Henry the Second, ascended the throne in the 
year 1154. The most important achievement of his 
reign, was the invasion and subjugation of Ireland, 
which country has remained, more or less, in a state of 
subjection to the English crown to the present time. 

2. During the early part of his reign, the famous 

Questions. — 4. Who s-ucceeded to the throne ? What is said of his 
reig-n? What was his end? What is said of Robert? What did 
Henry do ? 5. What did Robert do on hie return ? What happened 
to him ? What is observed ? 1 . Who succeeded to the throne ? What 
was the most important event ? 2. In the early part of his reig-n, what 
disting-uished person is mentioned ? 



ENGLAND. 133 

Thomas-a-Becket, a man of great learning and ability, 
held the first place in the favor of the king, and v;as 
promoted to the office of high chancellor. It happened 
about this time that the archbishop of Canterbur}'- died, 
and Becket was appointed to fill the vacant see. 

3. Becket, while he filled the office of high chan- 
cellor, had displayed great magnificence; but on being 
elevated to the dignity of archbishop, he laid aside his 
former promp and worldly display. The train of knights 
and noblemen, who were accustomed to attend him, 
were exchanged for a few companions, selected from 
among the most learned and most virtuous of the clergy. 
His di^t was abstemious, and his charities were abun- 
dant ; his time was occupied in prayer, study, and in the 
discharge of the duties of his station. 

4. Shortly after Becket was consecrated bishop, 
Henry began to make encroachments on the rights of the 
church and privileges of the clergy. He required that 
a clergyman, who had been tried for offences in the 
ecclesiastical court, should be delivered to the custody 
of the lay officers, to be tried again, and punished by a 
lay tribunal. He also prohibited the clergy from ap- 
pealing to the court of Rome without his consent. 

5. The archbishop considered it his duty to oppose 
these measures, so repugnant to the dignity of the 
church, and repugnant to those libertie3, which Henry 
had sworn to preserve at his coronation. The king 
grew indignant at this opposition, and the Archbishop 
thought it prudent to withdraw for a time from England, 
and accordingly, he retired to France. 

6. After some time a reconciliation was effected be- 
tween Henry and the primate, and the latter again 

Questions. — 2. What happened about this time? 3. What is said 
of Becket? What did he lay aside ? What is said of his diet &c. ? 
4. Shortly after this, what d'id Henry do? Require? Prohibit? 5. 
What did the Archbishop consider? What is said of the king? 6, 
After some time, what took place '' 



i 



134 ENGLAND. 

returned to England, carrying with him letters of sus- 
pension from the pope, against the bishops of Salisbury, 
London and York. The bishops on receiving these let- 
ters, burst into violent complaints against the primate, 
and hastened to the king for redress. Henry in a mo- 
ment of anger, exclaimed: "Of all the cowards, who 
eat at my table, is there not one, who will free me from 
this turbulent priest?" 

7. Four of his attendants, taking this for the royal 
approbation, resolved to murder, or carry off the pri- 
mate. They immediately repaired to the palace of 
the archbishop, and accused him of insolence to the king. 
While they were there the bell rang for vespers, and 
the undaunted prelate^ arose and went unattended to the 
cathedral. The assassins followed him, and as he as- 
cended the choir, they entered the church, and one of 
their number cried out: "Where is the traitor?" To 
this no answer was returned. But another asked: 
"Where is the archbishop?" To this the prelate an- 
swered: "Here is the archbishop, but no traitor." 

8. Upon receiving this reply, they rushed forward, 
and one of them struck the archbishop a blow upon the 
head with a battle axe. When he felt the blood trick- 
ling down his face, the prelate clasped his hands, and 
bowing down said: " In the name of Christ, and for the 
defence of his church, I am ready to die." In this 
posture, he sank, under their repeated blows, to the floor 
at the foot of Saint Bennet's altar. 

9. At the first news of this event, Henry was filled with 
dread and alarm : he now lamented, when too late, the 
hasty expression, which led to the commission of so 
great a crime. A few years after this, he beheld his 

Questions. — 6. What did the bishops do? What did Henry ex- 
claim? 7. What did four of his attendants resolve? While they 
were there, what did the primate do ? What did one of them cry 
out? What did the prelate answer? 8. What did they do? When 
he felt the blood &c., what did he say? How did he sink ? 9. What 
is said of Henry ? AVhat did he behold ? 



ENGLAiVD. 135 

children uniting in rebellion against him, in conjunction 
with his perfidious nobles. These things, he concluded, 
were not in the ordinary course of nature ; they could 
be no other than the effects of the divine wrath, which 
he had called down upon himself by his persecution of 
the archbishop. 

10. The name of the prelate was, shortly after his 
death, enrolled in the catalogue of the saints, and the 
fame of the miracles wrought at his shrine, resounded 
throughout every part of Europe. Henry, in order to 
expiate his offence, resolved to make a pilgrimage to the 
tomb of the martyr. He accordingly went to the 
cathedral in Canterbury, and prostrated himself before 
the shrine of Saint Thomas, while the bishop of London 
addressed the spectators. 

11. When the prelate had concluded his discourse, 
the king arose, and went to the chapter-house of the 
convent, where the monks, a few bishops and abbots 
were assembled. In the presence of these the royal 
penitent confessed his crimes, and received on his shoul- 
ders, with a knotted cord, a few stripes from each, 
i^fter this act of humility, he returned again to the 
shrine, and spent the night in prayer. 

12. The latter part of his life was embittered by the 
unnatural conduct of his sons, who joined in a second 
rebellion against their father. He asked for a list of the 
conspirators ; on receiving it, the first name that caught 
his eye, was that of his favorite son John. He read no 
more, but returned the paper with a broken heart. He 
died shortly after this, calling down the heaviest denun- 
ciations of heaven upon his ungrateful children. 

13. Richard the First, surnamed the Lionhearted, 

Questions. — 9. What did he conclude? 10. What is said of the 
name of the prelate.'' What did Henry resolve? Relate what fol- 
lowed? 11. What did the king- do? In the presence of these ? After 
tins act what did he do? 12. What is said of the latter p;irt of his 
life ? For what did he ask and what followed ? How did he die ? 13. 
Who succeeded ? 



136 ENGLAND. 

succeeded to the throne. Richard was a prince of 
chivalrous and romantic turn of mind. He engaged in 
the crusades and embarked for the Holy Land, where 
his personal valor was conspicuous in every action. On 
his return he was shipwrecked, and while endeavoring to 
pass in disguise through Germany, he was taken prisoner 
by the emperor, Henry the Sixth, who obliged him to 
give the sum of three hundred thousand pounds sterling, 
for his liberty. He died of a wound he received, while 
besieging a castle, after a reign of ten years. 

14. John the brother of Richard, succeeded to the 
throne, although Geoffrey, the son of an elder brother, 
was the lawful heir ; and for fear the young prince, at 
any future period might assert his claim, he was, by the 
order of John, basely murdered. The reign of John was 
one of the most disgraceful in English history. In al- 
most every action, he trampled upon the rights of his 
subjects, and infringed upon the privileges of his nobles. 

15. At length his nobles, unable to support his tyran- 
ny, under the direction of Lancton, the archbishop of 
Canterbury, entered into a confederacy against him. 
They met at Runnymede, and compelled the king, to 
sign and seal, the famous document of Magna Charta, 
which is regarded as the great bulwark of English 
liberty, even at the present time; and by which the 
liberty and important privileges, are secured to all ranks 
of the people. John died after an odious reign of 
eighteen years. 

16. Henry the Third, his son and successor, was a 
weak and timid prince ; and his long reign was almost 
a continued series of contest between the king and tur- 
bulent barons. Henry was at length compelled to 

QuESTiOKs. — 13. What is said of Riciiard ? In what did he eng-ag-e ? 
On his return, what happened ? How did he die? 14. What did John 
do.-* What did he do with the young" prince.'* What is said of his 
reign.'' 15. At lengtli, what did his nobles do? What was he com' 
pelled to sign? When did he die? 16. What is said of Henry? 
What was he compelled to do &c., and what followed ? 



ENGLAND. 137 

resign his crown and was again restored to the throne, 
after the famous battle of Evesham, in which the rebel- 
lious barons were defeated. He died in the sixty-fourth 
yediT of his age, and fifty-sixth of his reign. A. D. 
1272. 

17. Henry was succeeded by his son Edward the 
First. Edward was a prince of great military talents ; 
he subjugated Wales, and created his eldest son, Pi-ince 
of Wales, a title which at present distinguishes the 
oldest son of the British sovereign. He also invaded 
Scotland and defeated the Scots in the battle of Dunbar, 
and led their king captive to England. The Scots were 
roused to throw off the English yoke, through the exer- 
tions of- the renowned hero, Sir William Wallace ; but 
Wallace, after many brilliant achievements, was betrayed 
into the hands of Edward, and was put to death with 
barbarous cruelty. 

18. Edward the Second, who succeeded to the throne, 
possessed but few qualities to distinguish him as a sov- 
ereign. He was weak and indolent, and allowed him- 
self to be governed by unworthy favorites. At length a 
conspiracy was formed against him, by his infamous 
queen Isabella and Mortimer, a young nobleman. Ed- 
ward was compelled to resign the crown, and v*^as after- 
wards barbarously murdered at the instigation of Isabella. 
A. D. 1323. 

19. Edward the Third succeeded to the throne. The 
reign of this prince w^as one of the most brilliant record- 
ed in English history. He invaded Scotland, and 
defeated the Scots in the battle of Hallidon Hill. He 
then invaded France, and gained the memorable battle of 
Gressy ; and his son, the Black Prince, afterwards de- 

QuESTiONS. — 16. When did he die ? 17. By whom was he succeeded .' 
What did Edward do? What did he invade.'' By whom were Uie 
Scots roused &c. .'' What was the fate of Wallace.'' IS. What is said 
of Edward the second.'' What was formed ag-ainst him .'' What was 
his fate 1 19. Who succeeded .-' What is said of his reign .'' What did 
he invade and do ■* 



138 ENGLAND. 

feated John, the French king, in the famous battle of 
Poictiers, and led him captive to England. 

20. Edward died in the sixty-fifth year of his age 
and fifty-first of his reign, and was succeeded by Richard 
the Second, the son of the Black Prince. The reign 
of Richard was greatly disturbed by civil dissensions. 
Wat Tyler, a blacksmith by profession, v^as the leader 
of the insurgents. He led them to Smithfield, where he 
invited the king to a conference. Here he behaved with 
so much disrespect, that he excited the indignation of 
one of the king's attendants, who struck him dead upon 
the spot. 

21. This rash act created the most violent excitement 
among the insurgents, and might have proved fatal to 
the king, had it not been for the presence of mind, he 
displayed on that occasion. The young prince, riding up 
to the insurgents, while their bows were bent for exe- 
cution, exclaimed : " What my people ! will you kill your 
king! Follow me and you shall have what you desire." 

22. While Richard was absent in Ireland, a conspiracy 
was formed against him ; and on his return, he was com- 
pelled to resign his crown, and the Duke of Lancaster 
ascended the throne, under the title of Henry the Fourth. 
Richard was imprisoned in the castle of Pomfret, and 
was shortly afterwards, cruelly murdered. A. D. 1399. 

Questions. — 20. When did he die .'' By whom was he succeeded ? 
What is said of his reig-n ? Of Tyler? What was his fate.'' 21. 
What is said of the rash act ? The young prince.'' 22. What is rela- 
ted of Richard .-' What was his fate ? 



CHAPTER V. 

The Lancaster Family— From A. D., 1399 to 1461. 

1. Henry having succeeded to the crown by the 
murder of his lawful sovereign, soon found, that the 
throne was not a place for the enjoyment of repose ; that 
the diadem that glitters upon the brow of monarchs, 
conceals beneath its splendor, a thousand cares, un- 
known in the humbler walks of life. The early part of 
his reign was distracted by insurrections, and the latter 
part of his life was rendered unhappy, by the profligate 
conduct of his son. Henry died in the forty-sixth year 
of his age, and fourteenth of his reign. A. D. 1413. 

2. He w^as succeeded by his son, Henry the Fifth, 
whose reign is memorable, for the famous battle of Agin- 
court, in which the French were defeated wdth a loss of 
eleven thousand killed and fourteen thousand prisoners, 
v/hile the English lost only forty slain. His brilliant 
career of victory w^as cut short by death, in the thirty- 
fourth year of his age, and the tenth of his reign. A. 
D. 1422. 

3. Henry the Sixth succeeded to the throne, at the 
early age of ten months, under the regency of his uncle, 
the Duke of Gloucester. As the young king advanced 
in years, he exhibited a mild and pleasing disposition. 
He married Margaret, the daughter of the king of Sicily, 
a woman of heroic courage. The early part of his reign 
was disturbed by the insurrection of Jack Cade. Cade, 
however, was defeated and slain, and the insurrection 
suppressed. 

Questions. — 1. What did Henry soon find ? What is said of the 
early part of his reig-n ? When did he die? 2. For what is the reit^n 
of Henry the Fifth memorable? What is said of victory? 3. Who 
succeeded ? What is said of the young king- ? By what was his 
reisfn disturbed? 



140 ENGLAND. 

4. Shortly after this, the Duke of York asserted his 
claim to the crown, and a most sanguinary civil war 
followed. The red rose was the symbol of the house of 
Lancaster, and the white rose that of the house of York ; 
hence this war is often known by the name of the con- 
test between the two roses. During this war it is said, 
that more than one hundred thousand persons were slain. 

5. In the great battle of St. Albans, the king was 
defeated and taken prisoner ; but Queen Margaret still 
kept the field, and gained the battle of Wakefield, in 
which the Duke of York was defeated and slain. Ed- 
ward the son of the Duke, took the field in support of 
the house of York ; he entered London with a numerous 
army, and was proclaimed king, under the title of Ed- 
ward the Fourth. A. D. 146L 



CHAPTER VI. 

The House of York — Edward IV. — Edward V.-^Richai'd 
III.— From 1461 to 1485. 

1. Scarcely was Edward seated upon the throne, when 
he found himself opposed by the heroic Margaret, at the 
head of sixty thousand men. Edward and the Earl of 
Warwick, hastened to give her battle ; the two armies 
met at Towton, where the forces of the Queen were 
completely routed. 

2. The situation of the Queen was deplorable in the 

Questions. — 4, After this what took place ? Of what was the red 
rose the symbol? The white rose? Hence what is this war called? 
6. What happened in the battle of St. Albans ? What is said of the 
Queen? Of Edward the son of the Duke? 1. What is said of Ed- 
ward? Where did the two armies meet? 2. What is said of the 
Queen ? 



ENGLAND. 141 

extreme. With no other attendant than her son, she 
fled from the field of battle, and entered the gloomy 
forest of Hexham. Here she fell into the hands of 
ruffians, "who dispoiled her of her jewels and treated her 
with the greatest rudeness ; they however disputed 
about the spoils, and while engaged in the dispute, she 
made her escape, and fled with her son into the thickest 
of the forest. When almost overcome with fatigue, 
and about to sink in despair, she was suddenly roused by 
the approach of a robber with a drawn sword. 

3. Finding it impossible to escape, she resolved to 
throw herself upon his generosity. She advanced to- 
wards hini and said: "Friend, here is the son of your 
king; I commit him to your protection." The man 
pleased with the confidence placed in him, rendered all 
the assistance in his power ; and having safely conduct- 
ed her to the sea-coast, she escaped to Flanders. 

4. A few years after this Queen Margaret, having 
collected another army on the continent, returned to 
England, and made a second effort to liberate her hus- 
band, and to replace him upon the throne. In this she 
was successful; Edward was expelled, and Henry, after 
being six years in captivity, was again restored. Ed- 
ward, however, soon returned with a powerful army, and 
defeated the forces of Henry in the bloody battle of 
Barnet, and again seized upon the crown. 

5. The intrepid Margaret again took the field against 
him, but was entirely defeated by Edward in the des- 
perate battle of Tewkesbury, in which she and her son 
were taken prisoners. The king asked the youthful 
Edward, why he dared invade his dominions; to which 
the prince replied: " I have entered the dominions of 

QuESTioxs. — 2. What did she do? Into whose hands did she fall? 
What followed ? When almost &e., how was she roused ? 3. AVhat 
did she resolve? What did she say? What did the man do? 4. 
After a few years what took plaeo ? What is said of Edward and 
Henry ? What did Henry do ? 5. What is said of Marg-urct? What 
did he ask the young prince? What did he reply ? 



142 ENGLAND. 

my father, to avenge his injuries, and to redress my 
own." The ungenerous king, enraged at this noble 
reply, struck the prince with his sword ; and his atten- 
dants, taking this as a signal for further violence, killed 
the young prince upon the spot. 

6. Edward passed the remainder of his reign in acts 
of tyranny and cruelty. He caused his brother, the Duke 
of Clarence to be put to death for a trifling offence ; the 
deposed monarch Henry, terminated his life by assassina- 
tion in prison. These acts of cruelty w^ere terminated 
by the death of the king ; he died in the forty-second 
year of his age. A. D. 1482. 

7. Edward left two sons, the elder of which ascended 
the throne at the age of thirteen, under the title of Ed- 
ward the Fifth ; but the Duke of York, having caused the 
death of the youthful king and his brother, seized upon 
the crown, and ascended the throne, under the title of 
Richard the Third. But scarcely was Richard seated 
upon the throne, when he found a powerful rival in the 
person of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. Richard 
was defeated and slain in the battle of Bosworth, and 
his victorious rival was crowned upon the field of battle, 
and assumed the title of Henry the Seventh. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Tudor Family — Henry VIL — Henry VHL — Edward VI. — 
Mary and Elizabeth — From 1485 to 1603. 

1. The succession of Henry put an end to the civil 
wars which had so long devastated the kingdom. The 

Questions. — 5. What was his fate ? 6. What is said of Edward ? 
What did he cause!' What was the fate of Henry? When did 
Edward die? 7. Who ascended the throne? What did the Duke 
of York do and seize? In whom ciid he find a rival ? Wliat was the 
fate of Richard ? What is said of his victorious rival? 



ENGLAND. 143 

earl}' part of his reign was disturbed, by the appearance 
of two pretenders to the throne. The first was Lambert 
Simnel, the son of a baker, who attempted to counterfeit 
the Earl of Warwick ; he was defeated and taken pri- 
soner, and Henry made him a servant in his kitchen. 

2. The second was Perkin Warbeck, who endeavored 
to counterfeit the Duke of York. After a variety of 
adventures, Warbeck was taken, and hanged at Tyburn. 
Henry was a prince equally distinguished for his wis- 
dom in the cabinet, and for his ability in the field ; he 
passed many useful laws and gave encouragement to 
industry and commerce. After a prosperous reign of 
twenty-four years, he left the throne to his son and 
successor, Henry the Eighth. 

3. Henry the Eighth succeeded to the throne, under 
the most favorable circumstances. He was then in the 
eighteenth year of his age, and possessed of every 
quality, that could endear him to his subjects ; but as he 
advanced in life, all his better qualities degenerated into 
the most detestable vices, until he became a cruel and 
rapacious tyrant. The most important events of Henry's 
reio;n o-rew out of his matrimonial alliances. He had 
no less than six wives ; two of these he caused to be 
beheaded, for real or pretended crimes. 

4. His first wife was Catherine of Arragon, an amia- 
ble and virtuous woman. Among the ladies who attend- 
ed the queen, was Ann, the fair daughter of Sir 
Thomas Boleyn. This young lady so captivated the 
king's affections, that he resolved to make her his wife, 
and for this purpose applied to the Pope for a divorce 
from Catherine of Arragon. Clement the Seventh re- 
plied, that as he had been lawfully married to Catherine, 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the succession of Henry? The 
early part of his reign ? Who was the first ? 2. Who was the second ? 
What is said of Henry ? To whom did he leave the throne ? 3. What 
is said of Henry the Eighth? VVhat did he become? How many 
wives had he? 4. Who was his first wife ? What is said of Ann Bo- 
leyn? What did the king resolve and do? What did the Pope reply? 



144 ENGLAND. 

no power on earth could release him from his obligations. 
The king, enraged at this answer, threw off all restraint, 
abolished the Pope's authority in England, and by an 
act of parliament, caused himself to be proclaimed the 
head of the English church. 

5. He now resolved to effect a divorce without the 
Pope's consent. For this purpose he assembled a court, 
over which the famous Cranmer, archbishop of Can- 
terbury, presided. This court readily annulled his mar- 
riage with Catherine, and the king was immediately 
married to Ann Boleyn. He caused the venerable 
bishop Fisher, and the celebrated Sir Thomas More to 
be beheaded, because they would not acknowledge his 
supremacy ; he suppressed the monasteries in England, 
and converted their estates to the use of the crown. 

6. In his extravagance, he plundered the rich shrine 
of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, and despoiled it of its 
ornaments of silver and gold ; then, ordering the Saint 
to be tried for treason committed against Henry the 
Second, he condemned him as a traitor, and caused his 
relics to be taken out, and scattered to the wind. His 
wicked career was at length terminated by death, in the 
fifty-sixth year of his age and the thirty-seventh of his 
reign. A. D. 1547. Henry was succeeded by his son, 
Edward the Sixth, in the tenth year of his age. 

7. During the reign of the late monarch, the reformation 
commenced in Germany. Shortly after its commence- 
ment Henry wrote a book against Luther, on which ac- 
count he was styled, " The defender of the Faith, '^ a title, 
which is retained by the British sovereigns to the present 
day. Martin Luther, the celebrated reformer, was born 
at Isleben, in Saxony. At an early age, he entered the 

Questions. — 4. What did the king- do ? 5. What did he resolve ? 
What did he assemble ? Whom did he cause to be beheaded ? What 
did he suppress? 6. What did he plunder? What did he order and 
do? When did he die? By whom was he succeeded ? 7. During- his 
reig-n what commenced in Germany ? What did Henry write? What 
is said of Luther ? At an early ag-e ? 



ENGLAND. 145 

order of the Augustine friars, and in the course of time 
became professor of divinity in the University of Wit- 
tenburg. In 1517, he threw off his monastic habit, and 
commenced the reformation. 

8. Luther in reprobating the abuses, said to have been 
committed by certain individuals at that time, attacked 
several points of Catholic doctrine ; particularly that of 
indulgences. Catholics believe, that an indulgence is 
a relaxation of all or a part of the temporal punishment 
due to sin, after the guilt has been remitted by the 
sacrament of penance ; not however, that it is pardon 
for sins, or much less, a license to commit sin. 
^ 9. Before the death of Henry, the reformation spread 
into England, and now during the reign of Edward it 
became patronized and tolerated. A new liturgy in the 
English language, and a book of Common Prayer, were 
compiled by archbishop Cranmer, and by the adoption 
of these, all the rights and ceremonies of the Catholic 
Church were abolished, and a form of worship, nearly 
resembling that of the present Church of England, was 
established throughout the kingdom. 

10. The young king died suddenly in the sixteenth 
year of his age. Previous to his death, he had been 
prevailed upon to set aside his sisters Mary and Elizabeth, 
and to leave the crown to Lady Jane Grey. Accordingly 
this lady was immediately elevated to the throne, but 
after wearing the crown for ten days, she retired to a 
private station, and Mary the lawful heir, was quietly 
acknowledged. But scarcely was Mary seated on the 
throne than a second conspiracy was entered into against 
her. The conspirators were defeated, and several of 
them, attoned for their rebellion on the scaffold. Amonsr 



y . 



Questions. — 7. In 1517, what did he do? 8. What is again said of 
Luther ? What do Catholics believe of an indulgence? 9. Before the 
death of Henry what took place? What is said of the new liturgy ? 
What was abolished? 10. What is said of the king? What is said 
of Lady Jane Grey ? Who was acknowledged ? What followed ,"* 

10 



146 ENGLAND. 

those who suffered on this occasion was the much lament- 
ed Lady Jane Gray. 

11. Mary has been much censured, for consenting to 
the execution of this unfortunate lady. It is true, that 
her life had been spared, on a former occasion, still 
it would have reflected honor on Mary, had she re- 
fused to visit on the youthful Jane, the guilt of others. 
Mary in the second year of her reign, married Philip the 
Second of Spain ; and towards the close of her life, the 
French took Calais, an event which hastened her death. 
She died in the forty-sixth year of her age and the sixth 
of her reign. A. D. 1558. 

12. The foulest blot upon the memory of this queen, 
is the persecution of the Reformers, permitted during 
her reign. It might however, be observed, not by any 
means to vindicate her acts, but as an apology for her 
conduct, that she lived at a period, when religious toler- 
ation was neither understood nor practised, by either 
Catholics or Protestants ; when the extirpation of what 
were deemed erroneous doctrines, was inculcated as a 
duty by the leaders of every religious denomination. 
One of her first acts, after she ascended the throne, was 
to restore the Catholic religion, the public exercise of 
which had been nearly extinguished, during the reign 
of her brother. 

13. On the death of Mary, Elizabeth succeeded to the 
throne. One of her first acts, was to re-establish the 
Protestant faith, as the religion of the realm, and to 
assume the title of supreme head of the English church. 
One of the principal events of her reign, was her perse- 
cution of Mary queen of Scotland. Mary, who was the 
granddaughter of Henry the Seventh, and after Eliza- 
beth, the next heir to the English throne, was renowned 

Questions. — 11. What is said of Mary.' Whom did she marry.' 
What place did the French take ? 12. What is the foulest blot ? 
What is observed .'' 13. Who succeeded .? What was one of her nrs^ 
acts ? What is said of Mary Queen of Scotland ? 



ENGLAND. 147 

throughout Europe for her beauty and accomplishments. 
She had been educated at the court of France, and had 
married Francis the Second, who died shortly after the 
celebration of the nuptials. 

14. On the death of Francis, Mary returned to her 
own dominions. Shortly after her return, she married 
Lord Darnly, a man of a fickle and jealous disposition. 
About a year after his marriage, Darnly being unwell, 
had removed to a house near Edinburg for the benefit 
of his health ; but the house in which he had taken up 
his abode, was blown up with gunpowder, and the body 
of Darnly thrown into an adjacent garden. Shortly after 
this event, Mary was seized by the Earl of Bothwell, 
and led captive to the castle of Dunbar, and there com- 
pelled to marry him. 

15. A rebellion soon broke out; Bothwell was expell- 
ed from the country, and Mary again taken prisoner 
and confined in the castle of Lochleven. Here she 
was compelled to resign her crown in favor of her son, 
and the Earl of Murray was appointed regent. She 
finally escaped from captivity, and having collected her 
adherents, she made an effort to regain her crown ; but 
being defeated in the battle of Langside, she resolved to 
seek an asylum in England, and to throw herself upon 
the mercy of her cousin Elizabeth. 

16. As soon as she landed in England, Elizabeth or- 
dered her to be confined in Tutbury castle, under the 
custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. The unfortunate 
Queen of Scots, languished in captivity for nearly 
twenty years, at last her unnatural cousin. Queen Eliza- 
beth, issued an order for her execution, under the pre- 
tence that Mary conspired to deprive her of her crown. 

Questions. — 13. Where had she been educated ? 14. What did 
Mary do .'' Who did she marry ? What was his fate .'' After this 
what followed.'' 15. What is said of Mary .'' What was she com- 
pelled to do .'' Having- escaped what did she do .'' What did sho 
resolve ? 16. What did Elizabeth order ? What is said of the unfor- 
tunate Q,ueen ? 



148 ENGLAND. 

17. When Mary was led forth to execution, she was 
exhorted to renounce the religion of her ancestors, and to 
die in the reformed religion, but she replied, that she 
had beeii born a Catholic, in that religion she had lived, 
and in that religion she was resolved to die. She then 
offered up her prayers for the church, for her son, "and 
for her coUsin, Queen Elizabeth, and having taken an 
affectionate farewell of her faithful attendants, she 
calmly resigned her head to the block, which was sev- 
ered from her body at the second stroke of the axe. 

18. Elizabeth died in the seventieth year of her age, 
and in the forty-fifth of her reign. A. D. 1603. Eliza- 
beth possessed eminent qualities as a sovereign, but in 
principle, she was despotic, cruel, jealous, and revenge- 
ful ; her conversation vi^as often grossly profane, and in 
her private life, she was even less to be admired. Her 
reign was distinguished for men of learning, among these 
Bacon, Shakspeare and Spencer, were the rhost eminent. 
The custom of smoking tobacco was introduced by Sir 
Walter Raleigh; and potatoes were also brought from 
America to England about this period. 



CHAPTERVIII. 

The Stuart Family. 

1. On the death of Elizabeth, James the Sixth of 
Scotland, succeeded to the English throne, under the 
title of James the First. The most remarkable event 
of his reign, was the famous Gunpowder Plot, which 

Questions.— 17. What was Mary exhorted to do.? What did she 
reply > What did she then do ? 18. When did Elizabeth die ? What 
did she possess .<* What is said of her reig-n } What custom was in- 
troduced .' 1. Who succeeded Elizabeth .<* What was the Gunpowder 
plot.? 



ENGLAND. 149 

was a design of a few daring adventurers to blow up the 
parliament house, and involve in one common ruin the 
king, lords and commons. The plot however was dis- 
covered, and one of the leaders, name Guy Fawkes, was 
taken with matches in his pocket ready to set fire to the 
magazine. 

2. James died in 1625, and was succeeded by his son 
Charles the First. The reign of this prince was greatly 
distracted by civil wars. His parliament revolted against 
him ; and after the v/ar raged for several years, the royal 
forces were routed, and the king fell into the hands of 
his enemies. The unfortunate monarch was brouo-ht to 
trial, for. levying war against the parliament, and being 
condemned, he was publicly executed in the twenty- 
second year of his reign. A. D. 1648. 

3. After the death of the king, the royal government 
and the house of lords were abolished, and a republican 
form of government established. The parliament, which 
had been in session for eleven years, and known by the 
name of the Long Parliament, was at length dissolved by 
Cromwell, who seized upon the sole authority, and as- 
sum.ed the title of Protector. His administration was 
directed with energy and ability, and considerably ad- 
vanced the military glorj^ of England. He died in the 
fifty-ninth year of his age. A. D. 1658. 

4. Richard Cromwell, his son, was proclaimed Protec- 
tor, but after holding the office for a few months, he re- 
signed the title and retired into private life. In 1660, 
Charles the Second was restored to the throne of his fath- 
er. During his reign the city of London was visited by a 
plague, which carried off ninety thousand of its inhabi- 
tants ; and shortly afterwards, a fire took place by which 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the plot ? 2. When did Jame.^ die.-' 
Who succeeded? What is said of his reigri ? What was the fate of 
this monarch ? 3. What were abolished ^ What is said of the parlia- 
ment ? By whom was it dissolved &c. .'' What is said of his admin- 
istration ? When did he die ? 4. Who was proclaimed Protector ? 
In 1660, what took place? During" his reig-n what took place? 



150 ENGLAND. 

thirteen thousand houses were laid in ruins. To perpet- 
uate the memory of this calamity, a monument was 
erected, with an inscription on the base, falsely ascribing 
it to the Roman Catholics ; but this inscription has been 
lately erased, by the order of parliament. 

5. Charles died in the twenty-fifth year of his reign. 
A. D. 1685. Shortly before his death, he sent for a 
Catholic clergyman, and received the last rites of the 
Catholic church from his hands. On the death of 
Charles, his brother the Duke of York, ascended the 
throne under the title of James the Second. The early 
part of the reign of this prince was disturbed, by the 
rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth ; the Duke, however, 
was taken prisoner and beheaded, and the rebellion 
suppressed. 

6. Lord Chief Justice JefFrys, who was appointed to 
try rebel prisoners, is represented as having been guilty 
of much cruelty in the discharge of the duty assigned 
him ; while all the odium of the proceedings fell upon 
the king. An insurrection broke out which was joined 
by many of the king's former friends and adherents, and 
even by several of his own children. William, the 
Prince of Orange and son-in-law of James, was applied 
to for aid, and the crown offered to him as the reward of 
his services. He accepted the invitation, and landed in 
England with a considerable force ; James fled from the 
kingdom, and William stepped into the vacant throne. 

7. After spending some months, at the court of France, 
James resolved to make an effort to regain his crown, 
through the loyalty of the people of Ireland, who still 
remained faithful to his interest. He landed at Dublin, 
and after some delay, he met the forces of William on 

Questions. — 4. What was erected and what is said of it? 5. When 
did Charles die ? Who ascended the throne ? In the early part of 
his reig-n what took place ? 6. What is said of Jeffrys? What broke 
out? What is said of the Prince of Orang-e? What did James do? 
7. What did James resolve? Where did he land? 



ENGLA.\D. 151 

the banks of the river Boyne ; here an obstinate battle 
took place, which, owing to the weakness and cowardice 
of James, terminated in favor of his rival. He fled 
again to France where he died, in the sixty-eighth year 
of his age. A. D. 1701. 

8. On the death of William, the crown devolved 
upon Anne, the second daughter of James. In the early 
part of her reign, war was declared against France, 
during which the Duke of Marlborough, gained the cele- 
brated victory of Blenheim, Ramilles, and others, over 
the forces of Louis the Fourteenth. The other events 
of her reign, were the taking of Gibraltar by the Eng- 
lish, which remains in their possession to the present 
time ; and the union between England and Scotland, by 
which the two countries were included in one, under the 
common title of Great Britain. 

9. This period has been styled the Augustan Age of 
England, and is distinguished for men of genius and 
learning, such as Pope, Swift, and Addison. The Queen, 
whose health had been for some time on the decline, at 
length passed from the turmoil and splendor of the 
throne to the humble quietude of the tomb, in the fiftieth 
year of her age. A. D. 1714. 



CHAPTER IX. 

House of Brunswick — George I. — George II. — George 
III. — George IV. — William IV. — Queen Victoria. 

1. On the death of Anne, the Elector of Hanover 
succeeded to the throne of England, under the title of 
George the First. His reign presents few events of im- 

Q,UESTiONS. — 7. What took place? What became of James? 8.0a 
whom did the crown devolve? What is said of the early part of her 
reig-n ? What were the other events ? 9. What is said of tnis period ? 
When did the Queen die ? 1. Wlio succeeded to the throne? 



152 ENGLAND. 

portance in history. A rebellion broke out in Scotland, 
in favor of the son of James the Second ; it was however 
soon suppressed, and the most exemplary severity exer- 
cised against the leaders. George died in the sixty- 
eighth year of his age, and the thirteenth of his reign. 
A. D. 1727. 

2. George the Second, who succeeded to the throne, 
was a prince of some ability, and fond of martial exer- 
cises. He espoused the cause of Maria Theresa of 
Austria, against the Emperor Charles and Louis the 
Fifteenth, of France; after the war had raged for some 
time, peace was restored by the treaty of Aix-la- 
Chapeile, and the claims of Maria Theresa were acknow- 
ledged. During his absence on the continent, Charles 
Edward, the eldest son of James the Second, made an- 
other effort to gain possession of the throne of his 
father. He landed in Scotland and defeated the royalists 
in the battle of Preston Pans, but v/as signally defeated 
in the famous battle of CuUoden. 

3. Towards the close of the reign of George, war 
was again renewed between England and France, on 
account of their respective possessions in America. 
The war was finally terminated, by the surrender of all 
Canada to the English. George died in the seventy- 
seventh year of his age, and thirty-third of his reign. 
A. D. 1760. George the Third the grand-son of the 
late monarch, succeeded to the throne in the eighteenth 
year of his age. 

4. This prince commenced his reign by a course of 
unjust and oppressive measures towards the British colo- 
nies in North America : the colonies v/ere at length driv- 
en into hostilities ; and after a long and expensive war, 
England was compelled to acknowledge their indepen- 



QuESTiONs.— 1 . What rebellion broke out ? When did he die ? 2. 
Who succeeded ? What did he espouse? During- his absence what 
happened? 3. What war was renewed? When did he die ? Who 
bvicceeded? 4. What is said of this prince ? The colonics &c.? 



ENGLAND. 153 

dence. The other most important events of his reign, 
were the rebellion in Ireland, and the long and san- 
guinary conflicts that grew out of the French revolution. 

5. The principal achievements of the British arms, 
during this period, were the famous victories of the Nile 
and Trafalgar, by Lord Nelson, and those of Salamanca, 
Vittoria and Waterloo by Wellington. George died in 
the seventy-eighth year of his age, after a reign of sixty 
years, the longest recorded in English history. The 
reign of George the Fourth, who succeeded to the throne, 
was distinguished for the passage of the Catholic Relief 
bill, by which the disabilities of the Roman Catholics 
in Great Britain and Ireland, were removed. England 
at this period, also assisted the Greeks in gaining their 
independence. The British fleet in union with that of 
France and Russia, gained the celebrated victory over 
the Turks in the battle of Navarino. 

6. George the Fourth died 1830, and was succeeded 
by his brother, William Duke of Clarence, under the 
title of William the Fourth. The short reign of this 
prince was not distinguished for any thing of importance ; 
at his death he was succeeded by her present majesty, 
Queen Victoria. 

Questions. — 4. What were the other events ? 5. What were the 
principal achievements ? When did he die ? For what was the reig-a 
of Georg-e the Fourth disting-uished ? What is said of Eng-land ? 6. 
When (fid George die ? By whom was William the fourth succeeded ? 



IRELAND. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Early Inhabitants — The Introduction of Christianity 
by St. Patrick. 

1. The early inhabitants of this country, according to 
the best authorities, were of Celtic origin and arrived in 
Ireland from the western coast of Spain. The early 
religion of the people, was similar to that of nearly all 
the eastern nations of Europe. They adored the sun 
under the name of Baal, and the moon under the title of 
Re ; and fire was also sacred among them. 

2. The country was divided into a number of small 
kingdoms, each governed by its own king, and the whole 
subordinate to a supreme monarch. One of the most illus- 
trious of the Irish monarchs, was Cormac Ulfadah, who 
reigned about the middle of the third century. He was 
a man of great learning, and is said to have founded 
three academies at Tara, the ancient residence of the 
monarchs of Ireland. In the first, the science of war 
was taught ; in the second, history ; and in the third, 
law. Towards the close of his reign, Cormac abdicated 
the throne in favor of his son, and retired to an humble 
cottage, where he devoted himself to literary pursuits. 

3. Nothing of any particular importance occurred in 
the history of Ireland, until the introduction of Chris- 
tianity by the illustrious Apostle, Saint Patrick. This 
holy man, according to the best authorities, was born in 
Gaul of respectable parentage, about the year 387. In 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the early inhabitants ? The relig-ion? 
What did they adore ? 2. What is said of the country? Of Corruac 
Ulfadah ? What academies did he form ? 3. By whom was Christi- 
anity introduced? When and where was he born? 



IRELAND. 155 

his youth he was taken captive to Ireland, and sold to 
a man named Milcho, by whom he was employed in 
attending flocks. After six years of captivity, he es- 
caped to his native country, and after spending some 
time with his parents, he repaired to the monastery of 
Saint Martin, at Tours, where it is believed, he was 
raised to the ecclesiastical state. 

4. Shortly after this period, Pope Celestine commis- 
sioned Saint Patrick, to convert the people of Ireland to 
Christianity^ The Saint immediately set out to the 
scene of his labors, and arrived in Ireland during the 
year 432. The most abundant fruit attended his labors; 
he travelled from province to province, and by his elo- 
quence, converted all who heard him to Christianity. 
He was permitted to explain the sacred truths of Chris- 
tianity before Lorgerius, the chief monarch of the 
country at that time, and numbered among his converts 
many members of the royal family. 

5. In a few years, he built a number of churches, and 
founded several monasteries, designed for the education 
of persons for the priesthood. He is said to have ban- 
ished all the vi2:>ers and noxious animals from the island ; 
be this true or not, one thing is certain, that they will 
not live in the country at the present time. The Saint 
died on the seventeenth of March, in the year 465, and 
in the seventy-eighth year of his age. 

6. During the seventh and eighth centuries, Ireland 
was famed for her literary institutions ; her schools were 
crowded by thousands from all parts of Europe, and at 
the same time, Irish scholars were invited to impart 
instruction in foreign countries. Towards the close of 
the eighth century, Ireland was invaded by the Danes, 

Questions. — 3. What happened in his youth ? What is said of him ? 
4. What did Pope Celestine do? What is said of the Saint? When 
did he arrive in Ireland ? What was he permitted? 5. What did he 
do ? What is he said to have done ? When did he die ? 6. During 
the seventh and eig-hth centuries, what ia said of Ireland ? When was 
Ireland viaited by the Danes ? 



156 IRELANO. 

who held possession of certain parts of the country for 
more than two hundred years, during which time, an 
almost continual war was carried on between the na- 
tives and the invaders. 

7. In the year 1014, the Danes collected their forces 
near Dublin, with the intention of subduing the whole 
country. It happened at this time, that the chief throne 
of Ireland was occupied by the famous Brian Boru. This 
illustrious monarch, learning the iutention of the Danes, 
resolved to intercept their designs ; and placing himself 
at the head of his army, he marched forward to meet the 
enemy, who had encamped on the plains of Clontarf. A 
fierce and obstinate battle followed, which lasted from 
sunrise until the close of the evening, but terminated in 
the defeat of the Danes, who were driven from the field 
with great slaughter. 

8. Brian, who is said to have triumphed in fifty bat- 
tles, was destined to fall in the moment of another vic- 
tory, by the hand of an assassin. In the midst of the 
confusion and carnage that followed the retreat of the 
Danes, a Danish soldier took refuge in a small woods, 
not far from Brian's tent. At that moment the Irish 
monarch was prostrate upon his knees, with his hands 
uplifted to heaven ; the soldier seeing him thus eno:ao:ed, 
and almost unattended, rushed into the tent, and plung- 
ed a dagger into the breast of the king. The Danes never 
recovered from the overthrow at Clontarf; they gradual- 
ly diminished, until they entirely disappeared from the 
country. 

9. During the invasion of the Daines, and the series 
of wars that followed, Irish literature naturally decreased. 
But as the invaders retired, the schools and monasteries, 
which had been laid in ruins, again arose from their 

Questions.— 7. In 1014, what took place ? Who occupied the chief 
throne ? What did this monarch resolve ? What followed ? 8. What 
is said of Brian? Relate the circumstances of his death? What is 
said of the Danes? 9. During- the invasion, &c., what decreased? 
But as they retired, what is said. 



IRELAND. 157 

ashes ; and during the eleventh century, the fame of her 
literary institutions spread abroad, and her shores were 
visited by students from all parts of Europe. 



CHAPTER II. 

Ireland invaded by Henry 11, , of England. 

1. As early as the year 115.5, the English monarch 
conceived the design of invading Ireland ; but not having 
any legal right to the country, nor any other grounds to 
justify an invasion of it, he was compelled to abandon 
the design for the present. Some years after this an 
event took place, which favored his ambitious views. 
Dermot MacMurchad, King of Leinster, being expelled 
from Ireland, on account of his crimes and cruelty, fled 
to England, and applied to Henry for aid, promising, if 
restored to his kingdom, to hold it as a vassal to the 
English crown. 

2. Dermot having received from Henry, permission to 
raise forces in England, soon succeeded in gaining the 
assistance of several persons of distinguish rank. Among 
these, the Earl of Pembroke, surnamed Strongbow, and 
two brothers, Maurice Fitz-Gerald and Robert Fitz-Ste- 
phen, were the most prominent. Being thus successful, 
Dermot returned to Ireland, and was shortly afterwards 
followed by a strong force of English troops under the 
command of Robert Fitz-Stephen. A. D. 1169. 

3. Dermot immediately joined the invaders, and to- 
gether they made an attack upon Wexford, which finally 
yielded to their arms. Previous to the surrender of the 

Questions. — 1 . What is said of the Eng-lish monarch ? What is 
said of Dermot &c.? 2. What did Dermot do ? Who were among- these ? 
What followed ? 3. What did Dermot do ? Who fell into their hands ? 



158 IRELAND. 

city, about seventy of the principal inhabitants were 
taken prisoners, by the assailants ; every effort was made 
by their fellow citizens, to obtain their release, but with- 
out effect; the invaders had determined on their death. 
The unfortunate prisoners were hurried off to the high 
rocks near the city, where their limbs were broken, and 
then cast into the sea. 

4. Unfortunately, Ireland at this period was greatly 
distracted by civil contentions, a circumstance which 
aided the designs of the English monarch, and led to the 
easy triumph of his arms. In the year 1171, Henry 
himself landed in Ireland at the head of a considerable 
army. His first care seems to have been, to impress 
upon the minds of the people, that he had come rather 
to protect them against the oppression of others, than to 
acquire any advantages for himself. This refined policy 
will account for the little resistance he met with during 
his progress through the country. 

5. He received the submission of most of the chief- 
tains, and finally that of Roderic O'Connor, the last chief 
monarch of Ireland. In 1175, a treaty was concluded 
between Henry and Roderic, by which it was determined, 
that all succeeding kings of Ireland, should hold their 
dominions as tenants or vassals of the English crown. 

6. On the death of Roderic, Henry transferred the 
government of Ireland to his son John, then a youth in 
his twelfth year ; but the insolent behavior of the young 
Prince, soon roused the indignation of the Irish chief- 
tains : they flew to arms, and in a short time had nearly 
expelled the English from the country. Henry, alarmed 
at the danger which threatened his power in Ireland, re- 
called the Prince, and placed the whole power of the 
government in the hands of De Courcy. Such is a brief 

Questions. — 3. Relate the manner of their death. 4. What is said 
of Ireland? In 1171? What was his first care? 5. What did he re- 
ceive, &c.? In 1175, what took place? 6. On the death of Roderic, 
what did Henry do ? What is said of the young- Prince ? What did 
Henry do? 



IRELAND* 150 

outline of the establishment of the power of Great Bri- 
tain over Ireland ; a power whose foundation rests upon 
treachery and injustice ; and whose career has been writ- 
ten in characters of blood, from the days of Henry II., 
to the reign of her present majesty, Queen Victoria. 

7. After the execution of the unfortunate Charles the 
First of England, the loyalty of the Irish manifested 
itself in favor of his son, Charles the Second. Oliver 
Cromwell was sent over to Ireland by the parliament, to 
reduce the country to subjection. After a protracted 
siege, he took the city of Drogheda, and ordered the 
garrison to be put to the sword. Cromw^ell next took the 
city of -Wexford, where all the horrors of Drogheda, 
were renewed ; the conquerer strictly forbade his sol- 
diers to give quarter. 

8. At the conclusion of the war, the greater part of 
the Irish nobility and gentry, had sought an asylum in 
foreign lands ; their estates were forfeited, and the 
English parliament prepared an ordinance for settling 
the deserted districts of Ireland, which declares in its 
first clause, that it was the intention of the English 
parliament; "to extirpate the Irish nation." By this 
ordinance, which went into effect in 1653, a great portion 
of Ireland "was distributed among the followers of Crom- 
well, and the supporters of the parliament. 

9. Nothing of any particular interest occurred, in the 
history of Ireland, from this period until the dethrone- 
ment of James the Second. James, after being expelled 
from England, retired to France; but on learning, that 
the Irish were faithful to his cause, he repaired to Ire- 
land, and proceeding to Dublin, he was received amidst 
the joyous acclamations of the people. William, who had 
succeeded to the English throne, hastened to oppose him. 

Questions. — 6. What is observed? 7. After the execution &:c., 
what is said-? What is said of Comwell? What cities did he take 
and what followed ? 8. What took place at the conclusion of the war ? 
By this order what took place? 9. What is said of Jatrjes? Of 
William ? 



160 IHELAND. 

10. On the memorable first of July, in the year 1690, 
the two monarchs met on the banks of the river Boyne. 
A fierce and bloody conflict ensued, which was sustained 
for some time with determined bravery on both sides. 
William frequently mingled in the thickest of the fight, 
while James stood upon a distant hill, that he might in 
safety, view the contest. When he beheld the de- 
structive charge of the Irish dragoons, we are told that 
he exclaimed: "Spare, O spare my English subjects." 
Owing to the weakness and cowardice of James, the 
scale of victory turned in favor of William. 

11. Before the fate of the battle was known, James 
fled to Dublin, and embarked for France. After his 
departure, the Irish leaders for some time nobly sus- 
tained the cause of their country. At length, James 
having obtained a quantity of military stores, and a small 
force, from the king of France, sent them over to Ire- 
land, under the command of Saint Ruth, an experienced 
French General. Saint Ruth after taking command of 
the Irish forces, took up a position near the ruins of the 
castle of Aughrim ; here he was met by the English 
army, under the command of General Ginckle. 

12. An obstinate battle ensued ; the Irish fought with 
heroic bravery, and the English were repulsed at every 
charge, and a few moments more must have sealed their 
destruction. At this critical juncture, Saint Ruth fell by 
a cannon ball discharged from the enemy's battery. 
This unfortunate event changed the fortune of the day, 
and the scale of victory turned in favor of the English. 

13. After the battle of Aughrim, the Irish forces un- 
der the brave and patriotic Sarsfield, retired to the city 
of Limerick, which was beseiged by the English. The 

Questions. — 10. What took place in 1690? What ensued.' What 
is said of William ? Of James ? What did he exclaim ? In whose 
favor did the victory turn ? 11 . What did James do.!* The Irish lead- 
ers .-* At length what did James do .'' What is said of Saint Ruth .'' 
12. What ensued.? What was the fate of Saint Ruth.? What fol- 
lowed ? 13. Where did the Irish forces retire f 



IRELAND. 161 

war, however, was soon terminated by a treaty, known 
by the name of the treaty of Limerick. By this treaty, 
the Roman Catholics were to enjoy the free exercise of 
their religion, and were required to take no oath except 
that of allegiance. Two days after the treaty was signed, 
a French fleet appeared off the coast, with reinforce- 
ments, and large supply of military stores. The assist- 
ance, however, arrived too late ; the honor of the nation 
was pledged by the treaty of Limerick, and the fleet 
was dismissed. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Insurrection of 1798. 

1. For centuries the Irish people had groaned under 
the weight of oppression and tyranny, which a despotic 
government exercised over them. Often was the fath- 
er's heart ready to break within his bosom, as he looked 
upon the son of his affection, and reflected on the wretch- 
edness to which that son was born ; often had the tear 
of sorrow dimmed the mother's eye, as she looked 
abroad upon the misery that rested on her native land, 
and taught her child for the first time, to lisp the name 
Ireland. 

2. When ready to sink under the weight of these 
accumulated evils, they were cheered with the delusive 
hope, that the future would unfold a brighter prospect, 
and open to their view a happier era ; but alas ! each 

Questions. — ^^13. How was the war terminated ? What is said of the 
treaty of Limerick? What happened two days after? 1. What is 
said of the Irish people? Of the father? Of the mother? 2. How 
were they cheered &c. ? What did they still hope? 



162 IRELAND. 

succeeding year only added a new link to the chain of 
their misery, and rendered more bitter the cup of their 
sorrow. However, they still hoped to be able to obtain 
a redress of their grievances, by the force of reason and 
moral influence. For this purpose an association, styled 
the United Irishmen, was formed in Dublin during the 
year 1791. 

3. The leading objects of this association, seem to. 
have been a pure and disinterested love of liberty ; it 
was formed for the purpose, as they themselves de- 
clared, of forwarding a brotherhood of affection, a com- 
munion of rights, and a union of power among Irishmen 
of every religious denomination, and thereby obtain a 
complete reform in the legislature, founded on principles 
of civil, political, and religious liberty. 

4. Another association grew into existence about this 
time, called the Orange Association. The object of this 
association was to support the measures of government, 
and to oppose reform. The first Orange Lodge was 
formed on the 21st of September, 1795, in the village of 
Loughall. The members pledged themselves by the most 
solemn oath, to support and defend the king and his 
heirs, so long as he or they, shall support the Protestant 
ascendancy. 

5. Finding their condition hopeless, and despairing of 
ever being able to obtain relief of the British government, 
by a peaceable course, the United Irishmen resolved to 
appeal to arms, and to the more forcible arguments of 
the sword. They secretly applied to France for aid ; but 
before any effectual assistance could arrive, and before 
their plans could be organized, the people were driven 
into hostilities by the cruelty of the government. Mar- 
tial law was proclaimed in several provinces ; a savage 

Questions. — 2. What association was formed.'' 3. What were the 
leading- objects of this Association? 4. What other association wsls 
formed ? What was the object of it ? 5. AVhat did the United Irish- 
men resolve ? What was proclaimed ? 



IRELAND. 163 

soldiery emulated each other in acts of barbarity ; the 
torture of whipping, half hanging, and the pitch-cap, 
were put into active operation, and the most liberal re- 
Avards were held out to informers. 

6. Early in the spring of 1798, the insurrection broke 
out in the counties of Kildare and Carlow. The first 
important battle took place at Carlow. The Irish who 
were armed with clumsy pikes and a few muskets, fought 
with desperation ; but they were finally defeated, with 
a loss of four hundred slain, and two hundred taken pri- 
soners ; the unfortunate prisoners were all executed by 
martial law. They defeated the British at Oulart Hill, 
and took the city of Waterford ; but they lost the des- 
perate battle of Ballynahinch. The Irish after this en- 
trenched themselves on Vinegar Hill, where they were 
finally defeated by the royal army, on the 22d of June. 
This defeat terminated the eventful struggle of Ireland 
for her national rights, and the redress of her grievances. 

7. Shortly after this event, the question of the Union 
began to be agitated, the object of which was, to destroy 
the National Parliament of Ireland, and oblige her repre- 
sentatives to meet in the Parliament of England. The 
measure, at first, was decidedly unpopular, but by an un- 
parallel degree of bribery and corruption, the measure was 
carried towards the close of the year 1800. On the first 
of January, 1801, the Union standard was, for the first 
time, mounted on the Bedford tower, in Dublin, while 
the guns from the royal battery, in the Park, announced 
to prostrate Ireland, that her national independence was 
no more. 

8. In 1827, Catholic emancipation was obtained chiefly 
through the exertions of the illustrious O'Connell. By 

QtrESTioNS. — 5. What were put in operation ? 6. In 1798, what took 
place ? How were the Irish armed? What was the fate of the prison- 
ers? Where did they defeat the British? Where did they entrench 
themselves? 7. What was the object of the Union ? What is said of 
tlie measure ? In 1801, what took place ? 8. In 1827 ? 



164 IRELArfD. 

this act the disabilities, under which the Catholic's had 
groaned for centuries were removed ; they were permit- 
ted to hold office, and allowed the privilege of voting at 
elections. They are, hov/ever, still excluded from the 
throne, and from the office of Lord Lieutenant, and Lord 
Chancellor of Ireland, and that of Lord Chancellor of 
England. 

9. Ireland, though crushed to the earth by the iron 
despotism of England, has been fruitful in men of genius, 
and has given to the world, some of the greatest generals, 
statesmen, orators, and poets of modern times. The elo- 
quence of the patriotic Daniel O' Council, shook the very 
throne of England, and obtained for Ireland, what her 
armies could not achieve. The name of this great man is 
identified with his country's history. At an early age 
he engaged in her cause, and for upwards of forty years, 
he labored in her service ! The last few years of his 
public career were spent in endeavoring to obtain a re- 
peal of the legislative union, between Great Britian and 
Ireland, and thus to restore to Ireland her national parlia- 
ment. His health, at length, began to decline, and he 
was advised to travel on the continent. He never re- 
turned to his native land; he died at Genoa, in Italy, in 
the seventy-eighth year of his age. 

10. Wellington, the hero of Waterloo, and perhaps the 
greatest general of Europe, is an Irishman, though a 
traitor to the land of his nativity. Ireland's sons, in foreign 
lands, have frequently acquired imperishable fame. Dur- 
ing our own revolutionary contest, our armies were led to 
battle and to victory, by the brave and patriotic General 
Montgomery, who finally fell in the noble effort to achieve 
American liberty. More recently, the names of Gen- 

QuESTiONs.— 8. What was the effect of this ? From what are they 
still excluded? 9. What is said of Ireland? What is said of the elo- 
quence of O'Connell? Of his name? How long- did he labor in her 
service, &c. ? What did he endeavor to obtain? When did he die? 
10. What is said of Welling-ton ? What is said of Ireland's sons in 
toreisrn lands? 



ITALY. 165 

erals Shields, Reily, and others, have reflected honor 
upon American arms, and have acquired renoAvn under 
the banner of their adopted land. 



I T A L Y. 



1. Before concluding, we must go with our young 
readers to Italy the land of the Caesars, and standing 
amidst its magnificent and classic ruins, we will view its 
former greatness, and its present beauty. At an early 
period, Romulus laid the foundation of Rome, the pres- 
ent magnificent city, and ruled over it for forty years. 
After his death, the monarchy continued for upwards 
of two hundred years ; but at length, the regal govern- 
ment was abolished, and a republic established. After 
the republic had continued for several centuries, it was 
overthrown by Julius Caesar, who seized upon the gov- 
ernment, and the country became an empire. 

2. During the reign of Augustus, the first who 
assumed the title of Emperor, the Roman empire inclu- 
ded within its limits, almost the entire known world. 
It had carried its conquests over a great part of Asia, a 
portion of Africa, and nearly all of Europe ; Germany 
was subdued, Spain was conquered, and even Britain 
had jdelded to its arms. Shorty after the promulgation 
of Christianity, even before the death of the Apostles, 
the light of the gospel spread over the empire. Saint 
Peter established his see at Rome, the capital of the 
empire, and Saint Paul carried the knowledge of Christ, 
within the very palace of the Ca3sars. 

Questions. — 1. What did Romulus do ? What happened? What 
continued ? By whom was the republic overtlirown ? 2. During- the 
reig-n of Augustus what is said ? What happened shortly after the 
promal^'ation of Christianity? 



166 ital^. 

8. Many of the Roman emperors were wicked and 
cuel, and raised violent persecutions against the Chris- 
tians. During the first persecution under the tyrant 
Nero, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the two illustrious 
Apostles suffered death. Saint Peter was crucified with 
his head downwards, but Saint Paul, being a Roman 
citizen, had the honor of dying by the sword. During 
the reign of Constantine the great, an end was put to the 
persecution of the Christians, and Christianity became 
the religion of the Roman empire. 

4. Constantine built the city of Constantinople, which 
he called after his own name, and made it the capital of 
the Roman empire. From this period the empire was 
generally governed by two emperors, the one residing 
at Constantinople, and the other at Rome. But, by thus 
dividing the power, the empire was greatly weakened. 
A race of people from the north of Germany, called the 
Goths, emerging from their forests, began to make in- 
roads upon the fertile plains of Italy, and under Alaric 
their king, they carried their devastations to the very 
walls of Rome. 

5. This famous city, which for ages had been the 
mistress of the world and had enriched herself with the 
spoils of nations, was now besieged and finally taken by 
a people, who had often trembled at the terror of her 
name. In 476, another barbarous race, called the 
Heruli, overran Italy, conquered the country, and com- 
pelled Romulus Augustus, the last of the Roman 
emperors, to resign his crown, while Odoacer, their 
leader, assumed the title of the king of Italy. This 
event terminated the Roman empire of the west. The 
city of Rome and a portion of Italy, were wrested from 
the Goths, during the reign of Justinian, emperor of Con- 



Questions,— 3. What is said of the Roman emperors? Of St. Peter 
gind St. Paul ? In the reio-n of Constantine, what took pl^ce ? 4. What 
did Constantine do ? What did a race from the north do ? 5. What 
is said of the city ? In 476, what took place ? 



ITALY. 167 

stantlnople. Italy continued .for many years, to be gov- 
erned by persons appointed by the emperors of Con- 
stantinople. 

6. About the middle of the eighth century, the Lom- 
bards extended their conquests over a great part of Italy, 
and carried their ravages to the very walls of Rome. In 
their distress, the Roman people applied for assistance 
to the emperor of Constantinople, in whose name the 
government of Rome was still exercised. The emperor, 
however, neglected to send them aid, and they were 
compelled to apply for assistance to Pepin, the king of 
France. Pepin immediately responded to their call, and 
having defeated and expelled the Lombards, he bestowed 
his conquered territories in Italy, on Pope Stephen, and 
his successors in the pontifical chair. It was in this 
manner the Pope was raised to the dignity of a temporal 
prince ; the territory which he governs, is generally 
called the Ecclesiastical States. 

7. The Pope is not only a temporal prince, but also 
the head of the Catholic Church. The city of Rome 
has been, with some slight interruptions, the residence 
of the Popes, from the days of Saint Peter to the present 
time. Catholics throughout the world, look to Rome as 
the common centre of unity, and acknowledge the sov- 
ereign Pontiff as their common father, to whom they owe 
implicit obedience in all matters of religion. It is dn 
this account, that they are frequently called Roman Ca- 
tholics, to denote that they hold communion with the 
bishop of Rome. Catholics, however, do not hold the 
doctrine, that the Pope has any authority over them in 
temporal affairs. 

8. During the middle ages, the Popes enjoyed many 

Questions. — 5. By whom was Italy g-overned ? 6. About the mid- 
dle of the eighth century, what took place ? What did the people do ? 
Where were they compelled to apply for assistance? What did Pepin 
do ? 7. What is said of the Pope ? The city of Rome ? What do 
Catholics do? What do they not hold ? 8. What is said of the Popea 
during the middle ages ? 



168 ITALY. 

privileges and extraordinary powers. They were fre- 
quently applied to, as to a common friend, to settle dis- 
putes between contending princes, and it was even 
inculcated by the laws and usages of that period, that the 
sovereign Pontiff, on some extraordinary occasions, had 
the power of absolving subjects from their allegiance to 
their temporal princes. This doctrine, though it may 
aj^pear strange to us, at the present day, was frequently 
acknowledged by kings and emperors themselves. 

9. During the pontificate of Gregory the Seventh, 
Henry the Fourth, of Germany, made many encroach- 
ments upon the rights of the church, and carried on a 
shameful traffic in ecclesiastical dignities, bestowing them 
on those, who offered him the largest sums of money. 
Gregory, at length, in compliance with the repeated re- 
quest of his oppressed subjects, excommunicated the 
monarch, and at the same time, absolved the Germans 
from their oath of allegiance to him. At the news of 
this event, Henry was alarmed, and hastened foulards 
Italy to seek a reconciliation with the Pontiff. The em- 
peror presented himself at the gates of the castle, and 
with every expression of grief, acknowledged his guilt, 
and manifested a willingness to make all the satisfaction 
in his power. 

10. Gregory, who had frequently experienced the in- 
s^cerity of Henry, kept him in suspense for three days, 
at length he gave him an audience, and absolved him on 
certain conditions. The repentance of Henry was of 
short duration. He returned to Germany, and having 
raised a powerful army, he entered Italy, and taking the 
city of Rome, he caused the excommunicated bishop of 
Ravenna, to be declared Pope, under the title of Clement 
the Third. In the meantime, Gregory retired to the 

Questions. — 8. What power had they ? What is said of it? 9. Du- 
ring* the pontificate of Gregory the Seventh, what took place? What 
did he at leng-th do ? What did Henry do ? 10. What is said of Gre- 
g-cry ? Of Henry ? Where did Greg-ory retire? 



Italy* 169 

Castle of St. Angelo, where he remained until the ar- 
rival of Robert Guiscard, the leader of the Normans, who 
compelled Henry to retire. During the unsettled state 
of affairs that followed, Gregory, the venerable Pontiff, 
removed to Salerno, where he shortly afterwards died. 
A few moments before he expired, the holy man made 
use of these words: — '' / have loved truth, and hated 
iniquity ; therefore I die in a strange land.'' A. D. 10S5. 

11. The subsequent history of Italy presents few 
events of importance, until the French Revolution. The 
French overran the ecclesiastical states, took the city 
of Rome, and dragged the venerable pontiff, Pius the 
Sixth, into France, where he died in 1799. During the 
year 1809, Napoleon, the emperor of France, requested 
Pope Pius the Seventh, to close his harbors against Bri- 
tish commerce. To this the Pontiff returned a positive 
refusal, saying that, — '' being the father of all Christian 
nations, he could not, consistently with that character, 
become the enemy of any." 

12. This magnanimous reply, so enraged the indigna- 
tion of the emperor, that he immediately ordered the 
dominions of the Pope to be annexed to the empire of 
France. The Pontiff was sent into exile, and remained 
in captivity until after the first dethronement of Napoleon, 
when he again returned to Rome. A. D. 1814. 

Questions. — 10. When and where did he die.' What were his last 

words.'' 11. What did the French do.'' In 1809, what did Napoleon 

request .-" What did the Pontiff reply .-• What is said of this reply } 
What became of the Pontiff.'' 



THE MIDDLE AGES. 



1. The period, from the close of the fifth century to 
the beginning of the fourteenth, is generally known by 
the name of the Middle Ages, Some writers, however, 
only enumerate the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries, 
as the Middle Ages. During the greater part of this 
period, the different nations of Europe were either en- 
gaged in foreign wars, or distracted by domestic feuds. 

2. The manners and customs of the people, during 
these ages, were very different from w;hat they are at the 
present day. They were not so generally educated, as 
persons at the present time, because they did not enjoy 
the same facilities of acquiring an education. Before 
the invention of the art of printing, all books, were tran- 
scribed, or written with a pen. The labor of transcribing 
a book was very great, and the process slow ; hence the 
number of books was very limited. This circumstance 
tended, in a great degree, to retard the progress of science. 

3. It must not, however, be presumed, that the peo- 
ple were entirely destitute of education, or that universal 
ignorance, at any time, prevailed. It is true, at certain 
times, literature was neglected, particularly by the no- 
bles, who followed almost exclusively the profession of 
arms ; but at the same time, the most strenuous efforts 
were made by the clergy and the prelates of the church, 
to keep alive the sacred flame of science, and to diffuse 
instruction among the people. In the council of Toul, 
held in the year 859, the bishops and princes of Europe, 

Questions. — 1. What period is called the Middle Ages? What do 
Bome writers enumerate, &c.? 2. What is said of the manners, &c.? 
Before the art of printing-, what is said of books ? 3. What must not bt» 
presumed ? By whom was literature neg-lected ? What did the clerg-y 
do ? What was done in the council of Toul ^ 



THE MIDDLE AGES. 171 

were earnestly recommended to establish public schools, 
for the purpose^ of teaching sacred science and polite 
literature. rTV V 

4. The monasteries and abbeys, during the Middle 
Ages, were the asylums of learning. Here, secluded from 
the splendor of the court, and the turmoil of the camp, 
the zealous monks and virtuous nuns, taught, without 
distinction, the children of the rich and the poor. The 
branches taught to the children of those days, were of 
the more useful and solid kind. Of these, seven were 
termed the liberal arts, and were almost universally 
taught ; namely, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, 
geometry, astronomy, and music. Besides these, the 
Hebrew, the Greek, Latin, and philosophy were carefully 

studied. • . • ..,". •',■;-:. -r./ 

5. The Middle Ages were jparticularly distinguished 
by the Monastic Institutions, the rise of Mahometanism, 
the Crusades QJidi Chivalry. 

Monastic Institutions. — The monasteries and ab- 
beys were religious institutions, designed for the recep- 
tion of those who desired to retire from the world, and 
to pass their days in prayer, and in works of penance 
and mortification. Those who inhabited the monasteries 
were called Monks ; while the occupants of the abbeys 
were styled JVuns. These institutions were governed by 
strict rules. The inmates had their A^arious duties assigned 
them. While some were employed in transcribing books, 
others were engaged in teaching in the academies, at- 
tached to their institutions ; others were occupied in 
manual labor, in attending the duties of the farm, or the 
garden, or other domestic affairs ; they had at the same 
time, certain hours set apart for devotional exercises. 

Questions. — i. What is said of the monasteries ? What did the 
Monks and Nuns do? What were the branches taug-ht, Sec? 5. By 
what were the Middle Asrcs disting-uished ? What were the monas- 
teries? Who were the Monks? The Nuns? What is said of these 
institutions ? How were the inmates employed ? 



172 THE MIDDLE AGES. 

6. Mahometanism. — Mahomet, the founder of Ma- 
homeianism, was. a native of Arabia, and was born at 
Mecca, in the year 570. He pretended that he had re- 
ceived a divine commission to restore the Jewish and 
Christian reli2:ion, which he maintained had fallen from 
its primitive purity. Being subject to certain fits, he 
attributed them to the visits of the Archangel Gabriel, by 
whom he pretended he was taught, but whose presence 
he could not bear without convulsions. 

7. The two leading principles of his religion were, 
that " there is but one God, and that Mahomet is his 
prophet." The Koran, or the book which contains his 
doctrine, was compiled chiefly by a Nestorian Monk, as 
Mahomet himself could neither read nor write. He pro- 
pagated his religion by the sword, and stimulated the 
courage of his followers by the promise of a martyr's 
crown in paradise, to every one who should fall in battle. 
He even taught, ''that to fight for the faith was an act 
of obedience to God." 

8. A popular tumult being raised against him, in his 
native city, Mecca, he fled to Medina. His flight on that 
occasion is called the Hegira, and forms the Mahometan 
era, which corresponds with ' the year 622 of our era. 
Mahomet died at Medina, in the sixty-third year of his 
age. A. D. 633. His tomb remains there to the present 
time, around which three hundred lamps are kept con- 
stantly burning. 

Questions. — 6. Who was Mahomet? What did he pretend? Be- 
ing" subject to fits, to what did he ascribe them ? 7. What were the 
leading- principles of his religion ? By whom was the Koran compiled ? 
How did he propag-ate his religion? What did he teach ? 8. What is 
his flight called, &c.? Where did he die ? What is said of his tomb ? 



THE CHUSADES. 



1. The Crusades were military expeditions, under- 
taken by the Christians of Europe, for the purpose of 
delivering the Holy Land from the dominion of the Turks. 
As early as the year 637, the city of Jerusalem fell into 
the hands of the Saracens, but the Christians were per- 
mitted, for political reasons, to visit the holy places. In 
1065, the city was taken by a wild and ferocious tribe of 
Tartars ; from this time the Christian inhabitants were 
exposed to every species of insult. The Christians of 
Europe, actuated by motives of religion, were accus- 
tomed to visit the places, hallowed by the footsteps, and 
sanctified by the tears and sufferings of the Saviour of 
man. But after reaching the holy city, they were ex- 
posed, like the other Christian inhabitants, to all the 
rigors of Mahometan cruelty. 

2. Such was the condition of Palestine, when Peter, 
the Hermit, a native of Amiens, in France, undertook a 
^Dilgrimage to Jerusalem. Peter was greatly moved by 
the sufferings of the Christians in Asia, and prevailed upon 
Simon, the venerable Patriarch of Jerusalem, to write to 
the Pope, and to the princes of Europe, for the purpose 
of soliciting their aid, in arresting the tyranny exercised 
against the Christians of the East. Peter immediately 
returned to Europe, and presented himself before Pope 
Urban the Second. He was kindly received by the pon- 
tiff", who readily entered into his views, and commissioned 
him to go forth, and preach in favor of the suffering 
Christians of Palestine, and the deliverance of Jerusa- 
lem from the hands of the infidels. 

Questions. — 1. What were the Crusades? In 637, what took place? 
And in 1065 ? What is said of the Christians of Europe ? 2. What did 
Peter the Hermit do? How was he received, &c.? 



174 CRUSADES. 

3. Peter went forth, and travelled through Italy, 
France, and other countries, and by his eloquence, induced 
thousands to engage in the sacred expedition. The sub- 
ject was finally brought before a council, held at Cler- 
mont, in France, towards the close of the year 1095. The 
Pope himself, addressed the assembled bishops and 
princes, and at the conclusion of his discourse, the whole 
assembly exclaimed: — ''It is the will of God!'' As a 
mark of their engagement, it was proposed that a cross 
of some red material should be worn upon the right 
shoulder, and from this circumstance, these wars received 
the name of Crusades. Such were the circumstances 
that called the Crusades into being. 

4. Many of the most distinguished princes of Europe, 
at that time, engaged in the first Crusade ; among these, 
Raymond, count of Toulouse ; Robert, brother of the 
king of England ; Hugh the Great, brother of the king 
of France, and Godfrey, duke of Lorraine. After many 
difficulties, they took the city of .Jerusalem, and estab- 
lished there a Christian kingdom, of which the duke of 
Lorraine, was chosen the first king. The difficulties that 
surrounded the new kingdom of Jerusalem, soon obliged 
the Christians of Palestine to apply for aid to their breth- 
ren in Europe. This called forth a second Crusade. 
But before any effectual assistance could be rendered, 
Jerusalem fell again into the hands of the Turks. 

5. Several other Crusades were undertaken to gain 
possession of the Holy City, but it was never effectually 
recovered ; and it remains to the pres'ent day under the 
dominion of the infidels. The Crusades were eight in 
number; and during their continuance, nearly two mil- 
lions of Europeans are said to have been buried in the 
East. Though they failed to accomplish their primary 

Questions. — 3. Where did he travel? Where was the subject 
broug-ht? What did the Pope do? From what is the word Crusade 
derived? 4. Who were some of the princes of Europe, at that time? 
What did they do? Who was chosen king-? What followed? 5. 
What were undertaken? What was the number of the Crusades? 



CHIVALRY. 175 

object, they were, however, in many respects beneficial 
to the people of Europe. By the frequent voyages to 
Palestine, the arts of navigation and ship building, were 
rapidly improved; hence, from this period, may be dated 
the great commercial prosperity of many of the nations 
of Europe. 

6. Chivalry, or Knighthood, was a militaiy institution 
which prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Its 
early history is involved in obscurity; but its leading 
features may be traced to the Gothic nations, among 
which, the profession of arms alone was deemed honora- 
ble. Chivalry embraced several orders of knights, some 
of which remain to the present day. Of these, the Knights 
Hospitallers, afterwards distinguished as the Knights of 
Malta, and the Knights Templars, were the most distin- 
guished. The principal object of these orders, was to 
protect and defend the Christians of the Holy Land, 
against the attacks and the insults of the infidels. 

Questions. — 5. What were some of the benefits of the Crusades ? 
6. What was chivalry ? What is said of its early history ? What did 
it embrace? What wore the most disting-uished orders? What was 
their object? 



POPULAR SCHOOL BOOKS. 



THE 

COLUMBIAN ARITHMETIC, 

AND 

INTRODUCTION TO THE COLUMBIAN ARITHMETIC, 
BY M. J. KERNEY, 

PUBLISHED AND FOR SALE BY 

J. W. BO N D &, CO., 

No. 44 Baltimore Street; 

AND 

p. J. HEDIAN, No. 2 NORTH GAY STREET, 
BiLZjTIZJ^ORZ:. 



The publishers are pleased to announce to the public, that the above 
hig-hly popular works have g-one throug"h several editions within the 
last few months. From among- the many flattering* testimonials of 
their merits, receiv^ed from practical teachers, the following- are select- 
ed. Both works have been carefully revised and corrected by the 
author, since the above recommendations have been received, and a 
Key prepared for the Columbian Arithmetic. 

Alexandria, Va., November \Sth, 1849. 
An examination of the " Columbian Arithmetic," by M. J. Kerney, 
has convinced vis of its sterling- utility, and we shall accordincfly make 
arrangcmcjits for its immediate introduction into our school, (num- 
bering- at present, eighty pupils.) We believe it to be second to none 
extant, ancl would therefore recommend it to all tf-achers of Acade- 
mies, &c. L. WHITTLESEY & SON. 

IVashingtoii, November I4th, 1849. 
I have examined the " Columbian Arithmetic," and "Introduction" 
to it, by M. J. Kerney, and consider thein excellent books ; they are ju- 
diciously arranged, and practical in their application. The rules are 
plain, sufficiently concise, and well adapted to the comprehension of 

12 



178 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

young- persons. The explanation of the theory of proportion, is sim 
pie, perspicuous and accurate. We intend to introduce those books 
into our school. JOHN SLATTERY, 

Principal of the Washington Seminary. 

Number of pupils in Washing-ton Seminary, about three hundred. 

J. SLATTERY. 

Washington, November \Zth, 1849. 
I have examined with much care, the " Columbian Arithmetic," by 
M. J. Kerney. It appears to me, to be a work of considerable merit, 
and is better calculated for schools of the United States, and for Counting 
Houses, than any other book on the subject, that I have yet seen. The 
g-eneral arrang-ement is systematic, and according- to the affinities of 
different rules. Under the impression that it is an improvement upon 
every other work of the kind, now before the public, I will immediate- 
ly adopt it in my school, numbering- at present about ninty pupils. 

S. B. RITTENHOUSE, 
Principal of the Washington Institute. 

Alexandria Institute, November I'ith, 1849. 
As an evidence of the high opinion I entertain of the " Columbian 
Arithmetic," by M. J. Kerney, I have superceded the use of Davies', 
by its immediate introduction. F. KNIGHTON. 

After a thoroug-h examination of the Columbians, by M. J. Ker- 
ney, I am fully prepared to g-ive them the preference over all others of 
the kind, on that branch of education. I have furthermore, as an 
evidence of my hig-h opinion, caused m;y pupils to procure the " Intro- 
duction to the Columbian Arithmetic." 

Washington, November 5th, 1849. F. EL VANS. 

McLeod's Seminary, Washington, November 1st, 1849. 
The "Introduction to the Columbian Arithmetic," is so admirably 
adapted to its purpose, that we have introduced it in the place of others 
in this seminary. Number of pupils, over one hundred. 

J. O. WILSON, 

L. H. CHURCHILL, 

Associate Principals. 

I have examined the Arithmetics by M. J. Kerney, and unhesitatino-ly 
g-ive them the preference over all the various works of the kind which I 
nave met with. As an evidence of my approval of the work, I shall 
cause them to be procured by all the pupils over whom I preside. 

Mrs. J. McLEOD, 

Washington, November 2d, 1849. Select School. 

Alexandria, November loth, 1849. 
Kerney's Arithmetics have been introduced by me, after a careful ex- 
amination. I believe them better calculated to facilitate the pupils in 
that branch of education, than any others. 

ELLEN M. MARK. 



IlECOMMENDATIONS. 179 

I beKeve that the Columbian series of Arithmetics, by M. J. Rerney, 
better calculated to assist the pupil in attaining- a knowledg-e of that 
branch of science, than any otner. I shall therefore u'^.e them in my 
school. 

Alexandria, Va., November Uth, 1849. A. W. HALL. 

I am much pleased with Kerney's Arithmetics, and think them much 
better adapted to the use of pupils g-enerally, than any others I have 
examined. RICHARD L. CARNE, Jr. 

St. John's Academy, Alexandria, Va., November 14th, 1S49. 

I am much pleased with the Arithmetics by M. J. Kerney, and shall 
introduce them in my school, believing- them to be better calculated to 
facilitate the progress of the pupil in that branch of science, than any 
other work on that subject. 

Georgetown, November ISth, 1S49. J. R. COMPTON. 

I have' introduced the "Introduction to the Columbian Arithmetic," 
into iny school, believing" it to be an excellent work for beg^inners. 
Alexandria, Va., November i'2th, 1849. A. K. EVANS. 

1 have examined Kerney's " Columbian Arithmetic," and I consider 
it such a one as has been much wanted in schools. I decidedly prefer 
it to any heretofore used, and shall introduce it into my school, as soon 
as convenient. M. R. SHYNE, 

... , .r^ r »,.•--< ' Navy Yard Academy. 

TVashingion, JD. C., November 5ih, 1849. 

Washington, D. C, November 6th, 1849. 
I have examined the " Introduction to the Columbian Arithmetic,' 
by M. J. Kerney, and have adopted it in preference to others. I shall 
also use the " Columbian Arithmetic," in my more advanced classes. 
Boarding and Day School of the 3Iisses HAWLEY. 

TVashington, D. C, November ISih, 1849. 
I have examined, as far as my leisure would permit, the " Colum- 
bian Arithmetic," and am much pleased with many features of the 
work. I have introduced it into my school. 

HENRY E. WOODBURY, Principal 
Washington Select School. 

Having" examined " Kerney's Introductory Arithmetic," thoroug-hly, 
I have determined to introduce it in my school, thinking- it admirably 
adapted to beginners. 

November Uth, 1849. M. C. McCORMICK. 



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(Jt^Orders from any part of the United States or 
Canadas will meet with prompt attention, and the most 
accommodating terms in ail cases may be relied on. 






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Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
\ Treatment Date: m ay OnfW 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 
(724)779-2111 



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